Arteriosclerosis and gout are two of the "welfare diseases" indicated in the skeletons from the Dominican monastery cemetery in Ahus, southern Sweden. The interesting osteological material from this site contradicts the popular notion of the Middle Ages as a period of harsh conditions. This book is an easy read about a gruesome subject.

Arteriosclerosis and gout are two of the "welfare diseases" indicated in the skeletons from the Dominican monastery cemetery in Ahus, southern Sweden. The interesting osteological material from this site contradicts the popular notion of the Middle Ages as a period of harsh conditions. Very few women died in childbirth and a large number of individuals reached a mature age. However, a relatively affluent society also entails bad teeth and different forms of cancer, which is also apparent in this material. The book is an easy read about a gruesome, but fascinating subject.