Mark Spigelman

Surgeo/aArchaologist  working as a human remains specialist/ anthropologist, researching the history and development of microbial diseases utilizing microbiological techniques on Ancient human remains. Previously a consulting surgeon for 25 years in Sydney Australia.

Since becoming an Archaeologist/Anthropologist I have concentrated on developing the study of Paleomicrobiology and developing relationship between microbial diseases of the past and the diseases of today. I have developed extensive techniques for minimally destructive sampling of human remains particularly endoscopic sampling of mummies-which I have now done on over 600 occasions. I have lectured on the subject worldwide and our work has featured in many documentaries e.g. National Geographic, Discovery Channel, ABC as well as in many magazine and newspapers. Currently we have joint project with over 20 museums and universities worldwide. Whilst concentrating currently on tuberculosis and leprosy we have also had success in finding Leischmania, Malaria and Schistosoma in ancient tissues other bio-molecules such as proteins and lipids are also being investigated. We are currently also looking at histological examination of mummy specimens as well as the standard assessment of ancient material for paleopathological lesions. The main focus of our research has been on the scientific study of tissues from mummified individuals as they have much better preserved bio-molecules and we have samples or are working from 3 major mummy collection Vac in 18^th cent Hungary, Kulabarti from 5^th cent Sudan, and the Jaseon Dynasty 14-19^th cent Korea as well recently we have commenced looking at some 15^th cent mummies from Poland.