Conclusion: The science of conflict

This chapter discusses the application of scientific approaches to conflict studies. The emphasis is on recent advances in the field of biomolecular archaeology applied to human remains, most notably isotopic analyses, ancient DNA and radiocarbon dating. These techniques have the potential to addres...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Schulting, RJ
Other Authors: Dolfini, A
Format: Book section
Language:English
Published: Springer 2018
Description
Summary:This chapter discusses the application of scientific approaches to conflict studies. The emphasis is on recent advances in the field of biomolecular archaeology applied to human remains, most notably isotopic analyses, ancient DNA and radiocarbon dating. These techniques have the potential to address crucial questions regarding skeletons demonstrating violent injuries, such as the identity and origins of those involved. In addition, high-resolution dating can be crucial to determining whether a multiple burial represents a single or multiple events, as well as linking periods exhibiting greater violence with other social and/or environmental variables. This allows archaeologists to address broader questions concerning the role(s) of violent interactions in past societies.