POPANT001 - PALEOBIOLOGY OF ANCIENT POPULATIONS

courses
ID:
POPANT001
Duration (hours):
42
CFU:
6
SSD:
Antropologia
Located in:
CHIETI
Url:
CULTURAL HERITAGE: ARCHAEOLOGY AND HISTORY OF ART/CORSO GENERICO Year: 1
Year:
2026
Course Catalogue:
https://unich.coursecatalogue.cineca.it/af/2026?co...

Overview

Date/time interval

Primo Semestre (01/10/2026 - 31/01/2027)

Syllabus

Course Objectives


The course aims to provide in-depth knowledge a) on the evolution of human cultures, and b) methods of investigation for the reconstruction of the paleobiology of ancient human populations. At the end of the course the students is going to have acquired knowledge about the archaeological evidence of the development of the material and intangible cultures of prehistory, as well as the techniques to outline the biological profile, the paleodiet, the migratory movements and the health status of an inhumed, cremated or mummified skeletal individual and, more in general, of the population to which they belong. In addition, students must have acquired the skills necessary for the identification of skeletal changes attributable to pathological conditions.

Course Prerequisites


Basic knowledge of human skeletal anatomy, human evolution and the basic methodologies of physical anthropology is required.

Teaching Methods


Frontal lectures and practical exercises. The latter will focus on the study of casts of pathological bone alterations.

Assessment Methods

The exam will consist of an oral test accompanied by a practical test which will consist in the diagnosis of pathological skeletal alterations on casts.
Students with disabilities, Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), or other special educational needs may benefit from individualized arrangements during examinations, in accordance with current legislation and the provisions set out in the University’s Charter of Services (University Charter of Services), subject to prior agreement with the course instructor.

To request compensatory and exemption measures, students must contact the CON_TE_STO Service and follow the procedure outlined in the Charter of Services.

Students are encouraged to contact the course instructor during the lectures, or in any case well in advance of the examination date, in order to find out about the examination procedures and which measures are available.

For guidance and information about the various services offered by the University, students may contact the Department’s Faculty Referent:

Prof. Ilaria Filograsso
Email: ilaria.filograsso@unich.it

Texts


Study texts (for attending and not attending students):A. BROGLIO, Introduzione al paleolitico. Laterza, Bari-Roma, 1998.Dispensa consegnata a lezione.Research materials:W. BASS, Human osteology. Missouri Archaeological Society, 1987.D. BROTHWELL, Digging up bones. Cornell University Press, New York, 1981.L. CAPASSO, K. KENNEDY, C. WILCZAK, Atlas of occupational markers on human remains. Edigrafital, Teramo, 1999.G. HAUSER, G.F. DE STEFANO, Epigenetic variants of the human skull. Schweizerbart, Stoccarda, 1989.M.Y. ISCAN, K.A.R. KENNEDY, Reconstruction of life from the skeleton. Alan R. Liss Inc., New York, 1989.D.J. ORTNER, W.G.J. PUTSCHAR, Identification of pathological condition in human skeletal remains. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington, 1981.C. ROBERTS, K. MANCHESTER, The Archaeology of disease. Sutton Publishing Limited, Stroud, 2005.D.H. UBELAKER, Human skeletal remains. Excavation, analysis, interpretation. Taraxacum, Washington, 1989.

Contents


The topics of the course complete the training undertaken by the students with the course of Physical Anthropology. The course, in particular, deepens a) aspects of the cultural evolution of primitive populations, particularly during the Paleolithic and Mesolithic age, and b) the study methods necessary to reconstruct the paleobiology, health status and behavioral models of ancient human populations. The skeletal and dental alterations related to the activities performed during life (so-called occupational indicators) and to the state of health (object of study of Paleopathology) will be examined. A part of the course is dedicated to the study of cremated and mummified human remains).

Course Language

Italian

More information


Student reception on Tuesday at 10.00 am at the Institute of Anthropology, in Piazza trento e Trieste, 1, Chieti

Degrees

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