A health crisis during the Japanese Medieval Period: A new paleodemographic perspective

ConclusionsEMP early age-at-death was the result of poor community health, violent death, and frequent large-scale natural catastrophes. The LMP and Edo Period samples have an older age-at-death pattern and higher frequency of stress markers, argued to be a consequence of a colder climate.SignificanceThis study is the first to synthesize paleodemographic and paleopathological data on a large scale to assess the possible effects of the Little Ice Age in Japan.LimitationsVarying skeletal preservation and focus on adult skeletons reduces the ability to evaluate health throughout the life span.Suggestions for further researchAnalysis of nonadult remains and multiple health indicators will likely shed more light on the effects of the Little Ice Age in Japan.
Source: International Journal of Paleopathology - Category: Pathology Source Type: research