1. From some other scholarly source, find and discuss the history and theory of the treponemal
diseases in forensic anthropology. Hint: Disease and Demography in the Americas has a great
chapter that discusses this topic well, though it can only be found in hard copy in the library.
- Syphilis is a disease that is transmitted sexually and its origins has been debated for a while. It is
caused by Treponema Pallidum. There are different hypotheses on its origin. There is the
pre-columbian hypothesis which is that it is caused by climate change and was at first a mild
disease then has many mutations. The unitartian hypothesis is that syphilis occurred due to
climate conditions and due to lack of personal hygiene but has always been around. The
columbian hypothesis is that it came from the new world from the indigenes. The traditional
hypothesis is that it was due to the columbian exchange and came from the indigenes in the new
world. The new hypothesis is that syphilis was not due to the new world but was present in the
old world before that but was not recognized.
2. Based on the historical theories and the current theory, how does the information gathered from
the skeletons in the video present a major problem for the current theory?
-This new hypothesis is being considered because in skeletons that have been dug up and examined from
before the 1495 syphilis outbreak then it has been concluded from this that syphilis was present in the old
world before Columbus and the new world was discovered. Leaving in question where and when did
syphilis occur.
3. Discuss the changes in the skeleton that the presenters are claiming is caused by syphilis,
specifically in regards to skeleton numbered 1216.
-The changes in the skeleton that occurs that allows for a paleopathologist to determine that the
individuals had syphilis are pockmark lesions, holes in the palate, destructive lesions, and saber shin.
These are seen on skeleton 1216 and it has been concluded that the individual had syphilis.
4. Identify the three paleopathologists that are featured in this presentation and using internet
resources, give a brief summary of their careers (e.g. degree, where they work, and any
interesting information about their careers).
-The three paleopathologists that are discussing these hypotheses are John Bugless: project manager,
Charlotte Roberts: Paleopathologist working at the University of Bradford, Mary Luca Powell:
Palaeopathologists from the University of Kentucky.
5. Discuss how studies like this can be used to make interpretations about the past.
- These studies can help make interpretations about the past by being able to examine bones for
characteristics of syphilis to determine the correct hypothesis and the date around syphilis began.
6. Discuss the implications that this study may have on future research in the study of the spread of
treponemal disease.
- This study can cause implications for future research by providing evidence that syphilis occurred
before the new world was explored and was not the cause of native americans. This study can
sway the views of further research on the spread of treponemal disease.
