By examining the remains ​ — especially the mummified remains of bodies found in tombs and those naturally mummified in peat bogs, hot desert sands, and ice and snow — ​ scientists have learned much about the health of our distant ancestors.
Uurides surnusäilmeid, eriti just hauakambrite mumifitseeritud ning turbasoos, kuumas kõrbeliivas ning jääs ja lumes looduslikult mumifitseerunud säilmeid, on teadlased kaugete esivanemate tervise kohta mõndagi teada saanud.