Role of Radiology in the Assessment of Skeletons from Archeological Sites

Abstract

Radiology is an indispensable investigative tool for physical anthropologists and paleopathologists. Since its birth in 1895, X-ray has been useful in studying archeobiological finds. As a nondestructive technique of investigations, radiology allows for analysis of archeological finds without damaging them. Radiological investigations in anthropology are very important to assist: (1) reconstruction of biological profile (age at death, sex, stature, and ethnicity; (2) diagnosis pathological conditions, and life style (diet, physical stress, etc.); (3) interpretation of postdepositional process (diagenetic or taphonomic factors). We are sure that the importance of radiology in anthropology will continue to increase, and we confident that these disciplines will ultimately fuse and lead to the birth of a new professional branch of research: "Archeoradiology" or "Anthroradiology."