Leprosy in medieval Denmark: Exploring life histories through a multi‐tissue and multi‐isotopic approach

Objectives By focusing on two Danish leprosaria (Næstved and Odense; 13th–16th c. CE) using diet origin as proxies, we follow a multi-isotopic approach to reconstruct life histories of patients investigate how leprosy affected both institutionalized individuals the medieval community whole. Materials Methods We combine archaeology, historical sources, biological anthropology, isotopic analyses (δ13C, δ15N, δ34S, 87Sr/86Sr) radiocarbon dating, further analyze bones with different turnover rates (ribs long bones). Results The δ13C, δ15N δ34S results indicate C3 terrestrial small contributions marine protein for from other sites. A similar is seen through time, between males females, without changes facial bones. comparison ribs reveals no significant dietary change. 87Sr/86Sr suggest that were local regions leprosaria. Moreover, dates show mere 50% agreement arm position dating method used in Denmark. Conclusions line evidence, unlike contribution protein. Although only 10% analyzed have rib/long bone offsets undoubtedly shift, data appear reveal pattern 25 (out 50), elevated δ13C and/or values compared bones, which points toward communal type organizational aspects institution.