Did it Exist a Social Assistance for Handicapped Subjects in Prehistory?
Authors
Philippe Charlier
Practical School of Advanced Studies, IVth Section, Historical and Philological Sciences, in Sorbonne, Paris. Forensic Medicine Department, Vénale Pavilion, Poincaré University Hospital, Garches, F.
Keywords:
Paleopathologiy , Care , Handicap , Prehistory
Abstract
Paleopathological studies allow not only to describe pathological lesions, but also to relate them with historical testimonies(written,archaeological,iconographical records)and to reconstruct the social context in witch ancient patients lived. In particular, paleopathology allow to estabilish if a ill or handicapped subject has been the object of social exclusion or if the was cured, nourished and assisted by the other members of the community. The article analyzes some paleopathological case related to the themes of handicap, injuries, serious inabilities of Prehistorical individues.
