title: Two probable cases of treponemal disease of Medieval date from England.
abstract: Two British Medieval skeletons are described. Paleopathological examination suggests that treponemal disease was present in each case. Radiocarbon dating indicates that one is firmly pre-Columbian, and the other of likely pre-Columbian date. The implications for our understanding of the history and geographic spread of the treponemal diseases, particularly venereal syphilis, are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Ancient Monuments Laboratory, English Heritage Centre for Archaeology, Fort Cumberland, Eastney, Portsmouth PO4 9LD, UK. simon.mays@english-heritae.org.uk
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mays
authors.forename: Gillian
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Crane-Kramer
authors.forename: Alex
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bayliss
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D002250:Carbon Radioisotopes / Q000032:analysis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D049691:History, Medieval; D006801:Humans; D007867:Leg Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010164:Paleopathology; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D014211:Treponemal Infections / Q000266:history* / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D002250:Carbon Radioisotopes