Paleopathology in Switzerland

Paleopathology a scientific discipline that examines skeletal and biological remains from archaeological excavations to study diseases and conditions in human and animal populations throughout history. Paleopathology in Switzerland remains underdeveloped compared to other countries, with no independent university discipline or established paleopathological school. Almost all Swiss paleopathologists have devoted only part of their research time to the field, working primarily in isolation. Nevertheless, early examples of paleopathological remarks exist, with Swiss studies potentially among the oldest in the field worldwide. Today, a small but active interdisciplinary community continues paleopathological research in Switzerland.

By examining pathological modifications of skeletons and other remains, researchers can identify injuries, infections, tumors, congenital malformations, deficiencies, metabolic diseases, and dental conditions. Combining paleopathological data with anthropological and archaeological information—such as age at death, sex, dating, burial location, and grave goods—allows reconstruction of not only individual medical histories but also the living conditions of population groups and epidemiological events. Investigation methods include examination of remains, imaging (radiography, computed tomography), tissue microscopy (histology), and molecular biology analyses, particularly ancient DNA analysis.

Significant bone collections exist in Switzerland, particularly in Basel, including the Galler Collection and skeletons from the cemetery of the former Saint-Jean hospital. Due to limited systematically collected data, epidemiological approaches to understanding disease patterns have been constrained compared to other regions.