There is no greater direct evidence regarding earlier human populations than their physical remains. This volume provides a pragmatic and up-to-date account of forensic analysis of human skeletal remains and its application in tackling major historical and archaeological issues.

There is no greater direct evidence regarding earlier human populations than their physical remains. This volume provides a pragmatic and up-to-date account of forensic analysis of human skeletal remains and its application in tackling major historical and archaeological issues. The book starts with an introduction to the anatomy, structure and development of bones and teeth. It analyzes the biasing effects of decay an d incomplete recovery on burial data from archaeological sites and discusses what can be learned about ancient burial rituals from human remains. Subsequent chapters focus on the demographic analysis of ancient populations, normal skeletal variation, ancient disease and injury, the chemical analysis of bone, the study of DNA, and the study of cremated remains. Examples are brought from archaeological studies around the world. This textbook for students of archaeology explains current scientific methods - technical jargon kept to a minimum - alongside critical discussion of their strengths and weaknesses.