Did social assistence for handicapped subjects exist in prehistory

: Paleopathological studies allow not only to describe pathological lesions, but also to relate them with the historical testimonies (written, archaeological, iconographical records) and to reconstruct the social context in which 'ancient patients' lived. In particular, paleopathology allow to establish if a ill or handicapped subject has been the object of social exclusion or if he was cured, nourished and assisted by the other members of the community. The article analyzes some paleopathological case related to the themes of handicap, injuries, serious inabilities of Prehistorical individues.