First Visual Evidence of Leprosy in the Continental Shelf of Iran

The history of leprosy dates back to the time of human existence and is also mentioned in the Avesta (1). The Vandidad refers to Thrita as the first Aryan physician who was capable of treating several diseases including leprosy (1). However, no visual example indicating the effect of leprosy on the Iranian culture and artifacts has been reported while it can be seen in other cultures in forms of paintings, carvings, and even the remaining masks (2). The author has recently found something in the remains of the Teppe Hasanlu dating back to the 1 millennium BC which can be considered as the first visual instance of the effect of leprosy on the Iranian art.