The Naked Archaeologist Season 1 Episode 17 The Oldest Leper

The Naked Archaeologist is an educational and informative television show that explores the historical and cultural significance of various artifacts and archaeological sites around the world. Season 1, episode 17 is titled 'The Oldest Leper'.

In this episode, the show's host, Simcha Jacobovici, travels to the Middle East to investigate a unique archaeological discovery – a 2,600-year-old skeleton of a leper.

The program starts with a brief introduction to leprosy, a contagious and debilitating disease that has plagued humanity for centuries. Simcha explains that throughout history, lepers have been ostracized and forced to live in remote locations, such as leper colonies. However, despite the social stigma associated with the disease, archaeologists have uncovered evidence that many ancient societies cared for their lepers and allowed them to live within their communities.

Simcha then takes the viewers on a journey to the archaeological site where the leper's skeleton was discovered. He explains that the excavation was led by a team of Israeli archaeologists and was funded by the National Geographic Society. The site is located in Jerusalem and is believed to be the location of the ancient city of David.

Simcha explains that the leper's skeleton was found in a burial chamber and was surrounded by artifacts that suggest he was a man of means. These artifacts include a bone box, allegedly belonging to the high priest Caiaphas, and a gold earring. Simcha speculates that the leper may have been a wealthy merchant or even a member of the elite class.

Throughout the episode, Simcha consults with various experts in the fields of archaeology and medicine to understand the significance of the leper's skeleton. He explores the cultural and religious significance of leprosy in the ancient Near East and discusses the medical implications of the disease.

One expert Simcha speaks with is a dermatologist who explains the physical effects of leprosy on the body. She explains that the disease can cause skin lesions and nerve damage, which can result in the loss of sensation in the hands and feet. Simcha speculates that the leper may have been disabled as a result of his condition.

Simcha also meets with a geneticist who helped analyze the DNA of the leper's bones. She explains that the DNA analysis revealed that the man suffered from a specific strain of leprosy that was prevalent in the ancient Near East. This discovery confirms that leprosy was present in the region for thousands of years.

Throughout the episode, Simcha provides historical context for the leper's skeleton and explains how the discovery sheds light on the lives of ancient people with leprosy. He discusses the medical and social implications of the disease and how it was treated by different societies throughout history.

Overall, 'The Oldest Leper' is a fascinating episode that explores the intersection of archaeology, medicine, and history. The program offers a unique perspective on the lives of people with leprosy in ancient societies and provides insight into the cultural and religious significance of the disease.