Antonio Ascenzi (1915-2000), A pathologist devoted to anthropology and paleopathology

Antonio Ascenzi is well known within the scientific community for his original contributions to morbid anatomy and in particular for his studies on the fields of bone biology, bone biomechanics, haematology and congenital heart disease. Additionally, Ascenzi was also interested in human evolution and applied his deep knowledge of pathology to ancient human remains, conducting research in paleoanthropology on fossilized Neanderthal specimens found in Italy. The name of Ascenzi is linked with the discovery and study of the most ancient Italian bone fossils, namely the Ceprano skull, an early specimen of Homo erectus. Furthermore, his pioneering researches on the Uan Muhuggiag and Grottarossa mummies and his rigorous studies on several aspects and problems concerning the pathologies of past human populations made him a pioneer in the fields of Italian mummiology and paleopathology. The thread that linked his diversified research interests outside and within human anthropology was a profound passion for the search and discovery of scientific truth.