The study of childhood in the past is essential for understanding human evolution, biological adaptations, and social dynamics over time. Additionally, it allows for comparisons with contemporary populations to better assess the impacts of health, nutrition, and the environment on child development.

The primary objectives of this research field include:

• Understanding growth and development: examining bone and dental morphology to assess how different species grew into adulthood, and how individuals in different populations (temporal, cultural, geographical, and environmental) developed in comparison to each other.
• Studying health and nutrition: identifying signs of diseases, nutritional deficiencies, and physiological stress in skeletal and dental remains.
• Exploring infant mortality: investigating mortality rates and causes of early death in ancient populations.
• Reconstructing social and cultural life: analysing evidence of childcare practices, children's social roles, and their integration into past communities.

To achieve these objectives, researchers employ various techniques, including osteological and dental analysis, isotopic and proteomic studies, genetic and inheritance studies, microscopy and micro-CT imaging, and comparative studies using modern population collections.

This interdisciplinary research field, which bridges biology, anthropology, paleontology, and archaeology, is crucial for unravelling the mysteries of childhood in the past, offering invaluable insights into the history of our species.