Leprosy in the Dakhleh Oasis (Egypt) During Roman Rule

Abstract

Leprosy developed out of unknown origins and has a mysterious and highly debated pattern of incidence as it spread throughout the world. However, its clinical symptoms are not debated. The peripheral nerve disease lies on a continuum of physiological expression, ranging from single skin lesions to finger and toe resorbtion to complete collapse of the mid-facial region. Dentin from four lepromatous lepers who resided in the Dakhleh Oasis, Egypt, was analyzed for carbon and nitrogen markers with the intent to establish their diet and place of origin. The Oasis is thought to have been either a safe-haven or a place of banishment for the lepers during Egypt's Roman Period, circa 150 C.E. Results from this study indicate that three of the four individuals were from outside the Oasis.

Notes

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Thesis Completion

2004

Semester

Spring

Advisor

Dupras, Tosha L.

Degree

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Degree Program

Anthropology

Subjects

Arts and Sciences -- Dissertations, Academic; Dissertations, Academic -- Arts and Sciences; Carbon -- Isotopes; Leprosy -- Egypt -- Dakhla Basin; Nitrogen -- Isotopes

Format

Print

Identifier

DP0021828

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Document Type

Honors in the Major Thesis

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