Mays, Simon
Pages : 257
Publisher : Routledge
Publication Date: June 23, 2010
The Archaeology of Human Bones provides an up to date
account of the scientific analysis of human skeletal remains from
archaeological sites. This completely revised edition reflects the
latest developments in scientific techniques for studying human
skeletons and the latest applications of those techniques in
archaeology. In particular, the sections on ancient DNA and bone stable
isotopes have been comprehensively updated, and two completely new
chapters have been introduced, covering metric study of the postcranial
skeleton and ethical dimensions of the study of human remains.
The Archaeology of Human Bones
introduces students to the anatomy of bones and teeth, utilising a
large number of images. It analyzes the biasing effects of decay and
incomplete recovery on burial data from archaeological sites, and
discusses what we may learn about burial rites from human remains.
Subsequent chapters focus on demographic analysis of earlier
populations, normal skeletal variation, disease and injury, isotopic and
DNA analysis of bone, the study of cremated bone and ethical aspects of
working with ancient human remains. Current scientific methods are
explained, alongside a critical discussion of their strengths and
weaknesses. The ways in which scientific analyses of human skeletal
remains can contribute to tackling major archaeological or historical
issues is illustrated by means of examples drawn from studies from
around the world.
Technical jargon is kept to a minimum, and
each chapter contains a summary of the main points that a student should
grasp and a list of further reading targeted to enable students to
follow up major issues covered in the book. Featuring case studies from
around the world and with copious illustrations, The Archaeology of Human Bones continues to be a crucial work for students of archaeology
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