Paleomicrobiology

• The Techniques and Methods.- Great Plagues of the Past and Remaining Questions.- Identification and Interpretation of Historical Cemeteries Linked to Epidemics.- Archaeological Proof of an Abrupt Mortality Crisis: Simultaneous Deposit of Cadavers, Simultaneous Deaths?.- Molecular Detection of Past Pathogens.- Histologic Detection of Past Pathogens.- Ancient Microorganisms Bacteria.- Palaeomicrobiology of Tuberculosis.- Past Leprae.- Archaeology of Human Pathogens: Palaeopathological Appraisal of Palaeoepidemiology.- Past Plague.- Typhoid Fever Epidemic in Ancient Athens.- Dental Pulp as a Tool for the Retrospective Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases.- History of Influenza Pandemics.- Human lice: Pediculus and Pthirus.

From the reviews: "This collection of reviews will appeal to all with an interest as to how microbes have shaped the development of present-day societies. ... the authors provide a balanced overview relating case descriptions of the time to more objective findings. ... This is a book for browsing and gives cause to reflect on the critical role of microbes in determining the course of western civilization." (Colin Howard, Microbiology Today, July, 2009)