The lepers diet in a medieval leper house: the case of Coimbra

Authors

  • Ana Rita Rocha Universidade de Coimbra – CHSC

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14195/1645-2259_16_3

Keywords:

Diet, lepers, leper house, Coimbra, Middle Ages

Abstract

This paper aims to present the diet of the lepers from the Leper House or Saint Lazarus Hospital of Coimbra. Starting from the regiment granted by King Afonso IV, in 1329, we describe the individual diet of Coimbra lepers. We also present the several pittances given throughout the year to enrich and complement the lepers’ meals. At the same time, we evaluate the therapeutic procedures from classical antiquity and medieval physicians towards lepers and people that feared leprosy. This way, we study the effects of food in the disease’s treatment or, at least, the strengthening of the sickened body, delaying the inevitable.

https://doi.org/10.14195/1645-2259_16_3

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Published

2016-12-30

Issue

Vol. 16 (2016)

Section

Artigos

License

Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows sharing the work with recognition of authorship and initial publication in Antropologia Portuguesa journal.