The aim of this book is to provide an introduction to what can be learnt from the scientific study of human skeletal remains from archaeological sites.

Archaeology is often thought of as being concerned with the material remains of previous groups of people; traditionally only their monuments and their artefacts have been studied. However, another aspect of archaeology is the study of the physical environment in which people lived. Environmental archaeology is concerned with this work and includes the study of soils, food sources and animal bones. It also includes the study of the people themselves, from the skeletal remains. This is known as physical anthropology and, like any other aspect of environmental archaeology, is very specialized. This book describes in simple terms the various procedures used by the specialist. The effects of different burial conditions and rituals on the bones are explained and ways of excavation and treatment are suggested. The human skeleton is described, as are methods of recording and analysis. The effects of accident and disease on the skeleton are included and examples from various groups of skeletons are discussed. The numerous illustrations show the reader what to look for and a comprehensive further reading list is included.

In explaining what the archaeologist can reliably deduce about past societies from the study of bones and other human remains, Dr. Tony Waldron carefully avoids over-technical jargon. He covers the subject under the three headings of Life, Death, and Disease. He explains first that bones give us information about age, sex, height, weight, working life, and the demography of a society. We also learn of the causes of death--whether natural or intentional--and the evidence for a whole range of diseases--from aching joints and teeth to infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and syphilis.

A synthetic treatment of the study of human remains from archaeological contexts for current and future generations of bioarchaeologists.

This advanced textbook provides the reader with an up-to-date account of recent developments and future potential in the study of human skeletons from both an archaeological and forensic context. It is well-illustrated, comprehensive in its coverage and is divided into six sections for ease of reference, encompassing such areas as palaeodemography, juvenile health and growth, disease and trauma, normal skeletal variation, biochemical and microscopic analyses and facial reconstruction. Each chapter is written by a recognised specialist in the field, and includes in-depth discussion of the reliability of methods, with appropriate references, and current and future research directions. It is essential reading for all students undertaking osteology as part of their studies and will also prove a valuable reference for forensic scientists, both in the field and the laboratory.

An Indispensable Resource on Advanced Methods of Analysis of Human Skeletal and Dental Remains in Archaeological and Forensic Contexts Now in its third edition, Biological Anthropology of the Human Skeleton has become a key reference for bioarchaeologists, human osteologists, and paleopathologists throughout the world. It builds upon basic skills to provide the foundation for advanced scientific analyses of human skeletal remains in cultural, archaeological, and theoretical contexts. This new edition features updated coverage of topics including histomorphometry, dental morphology, stable isotope methods, and ancient DNA, as well as a number of new chapters on paleopathology. It also covers bioarchaeological ethics, taphonomy and the nature of archaeological assemblages, biomechanical analyses of archaeological human skeletons, and more. Fully updated and revised with new material written by leading researchers in the field Includes many case studies to demonstrate application of methods of analysis Offers valuable information on contexts, methods, applications, promises, and pitfalls Covering the latest advanced methods and techniques for analyzing skeletal and dental remains from archaeological discoveries, Biological Anthropology of the Human Skeleton is a trusted text for advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and professionals in human osteology, bioarchaeology, and paleopathology.