Care or Neglect?

Evidence of Animal Disease in Archaeology

By: BARTOSIEWICZ / GAL

Write A Review

Paperback | 31 January 2018

At a Glance

Paperback
300 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
24.0 x 17.0 x 2.03

Paperback

$118.80

or 4 interest-free payments of $29.70 with

Aims to ship in 10 to 15 business days

Animals have always been integral to culture. Their interaction with humans has intensified since the onset of domestication resulting in higher incidences of animal disease due to human intervention. At the same time, human care has counter-balanced pressures of natural selection, reducing morbidity among wild animals. Prior to the emergence of a veterinary record, animal disease can only be traced by analysing pathological symptoms on excavated animal remains. This volume presents a collection of studies in the discipline of animal palaeopathology. An international team of experts offer reviews of animal welfare at ancient settlements from both prehistoric and historic periods across Eurasia. Several chapters are devoted to the diseases of dog and horse, two animals of prominent emotional importance in many civilisations. Curious phenomena observed on the bones of poultry, sheep, pig and even fish are discussed within their respective cultural contexts. Many poorly healed bones are suggestive of neglect in the case of ordinary livestock. On the other hand, a great degree of compassion may be presumed behind the long survival of seriously ill companion animals. In addition to furthering our better technical understanding of animal disease in the past, this volume also mirrors the diversity of human attitudes towards animals during our millennia-long relationship. Some animal bones show signs of extreme cruelty but others also reveal the great attention paid to the recovery of sick animals. Such attitudes tend to be a largely hidden yet are characteristic aspects of how people relate to the surrounding world and, ultimately, to each other.

Industry Reviews

"...it succeeds in its goal of illustrating the current development of the field: the overview provided by this loose collection allows the reader to draw out the main strengths and weaknesses of animal palaeopathology as zooarchaeologists pursue it today."--European Journal of Archaeology
"A very useful feature of the volume is that it is well illustrated - essential for the presentation and discussion of pathologies. Like other key works in animal palaeopathology, such as Baker and Brothwell (1980) and Bartosiewicz (2013), this will likely be of great use to researchers actively working on pathologies in zooarchaeological assemblages. [...] The diversity of research published in this volume by Bartosiewicz and Gal clearly demonstrates a vibrant and active research community engaged in animal palaeopathological work. The book will be a useful aid to all those working in this field."--Michele Buzon "International Journal of Paleopathology, Volume 24, March 2019 "

Shipping

	Standard Shipping	Express Shipping
Metro postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Regional postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Rural postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95

How to return your order

At Booktopia, we offer hassle-free returns in accordance with our returns policy. If you wish to return an item, please get in touch with Booktopia Customer Care.

Additional postage charges may be applicable.