Life expectancy in ancient and modern man.

The life expectancy of man has got an elongation from prehistoric times until today. A distinct increase, however, is seen first in the middle of the nineteenth century and is leading back to a change of the socio-economic influences at that time. The sex-specific difference of the mortality rate changes somewhat earlier. From the neolithics up to the Middle Ages, there had been a higher death rate of the females, especially in the second and third decennium, and can be explained as a consequence of maternities. Also the infant mortality has changed in the past hundred years. Because of a better medical care the death could be lowered.