Unearthing the past: Archaeological forensics and historical mysteries

 

Author: Sona James, Volunteer at C.A.S.E. 23 Official

Archaeological forensics is a multidisciplinary area which blends archaeology, anthropology, and forensic science and they serve as a key tool in uncovering the historical mysteries buried deep under the earth's surface. The field of forensic archaeology is focused on comprehending, identifying, controlling, and interpreting space, as well as the history, creation, and characteristics of a site, including its buried features and artefacts. The objectives of both traditional and forensic archaeology are to examine physical remains, including artefacts, bodies, and residues, and to reconstruct historical events, whether they occurred recently or in the distant past. Burial sites containing human remains have long been a source of worry for archaeologists. The growing dismay of society over genocide and this have recently combined to create a new field of study known as the forensic archaeology of mass graves. This article explores the inventions, applications, and case studies within archaeological forensics, shedding light on how it illuminates the historical contexts and unravels mysterious narratives.

Archaeological forensics has benefited greatly from innovative equipment and procedures developed throughout the centuries. The field of science underwent a revolution when carbon dating was introduced in the middle of the 20th century, allowing archaeologists to precisely ascertain the age of organic materials like charcoal, wood, and bone. By creating intricate three-dimensional maps of the landscape, advances in remote sensing technology, like LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and satellite imagery, have improved the accuracy of archaeological surveys. Once identified, these sites can be preserved and protected from looting, urban development, and natural disasters. Additionally, the emergence of GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar), which minimises disturbance to archaeological sites by enabling researchers to see subsurface structures without excavation, has also been recognised as a major invention.

Archaeological forensics serves several applications that include numerous aspects of doing research, preserving, and comprehending the past cultures. A vital aspect of archaeological forensics is the study of human remains, sometimes referred to as osteology or bioarchaeology. Researchers can reconstruct demographic information like age, sex, and health status from skeletal remains. They can also investigate patterns of trauma, sickness, and food. The study of ancient populations, their ways of life, and their social structures is aided by this information. Reconstructing historical events and scenarios from the evidence available is a common task in archaeological forensics. This involves using computer modelling tools and archaeological data to reconstruct historic buildings, towns, and landscapes. The area of archaeological forensics has undergone a revolution due to advancements in DNA analysis techniques. Researchers can determine ancestry, population movements, and genetic relationships by extracting and examining ancient DNA from skeletal remains. Important findings about population admixture, human migratory patterns, and the ancestry of certain cultural groupings have resulted from this. In cases involving the illegal excavation, trafficking, or sale of antiquities, archaeological forensics plays a critical role in providing evidence for legal proceedings. By integrating archaeological methods with forensic techniques and interdisciplinary approaches, archaeologists continue to unravel the mysteries of the past, enriching our understanding of human history and heritage.

The Terracotta Army excavation in China is a noteworthy case study that demonstrates the effectiveness of archaeological forensics. This enormous collection of life-sized clay warriors, which was found in 1974 next to the mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang, the First Emperor of China, has captivated both archaeologists and historians. By carefully dissecting the clay figurines and the surrounding objects, scholars have learned a great deal about the Qin Dynasty's political ideology, craftsmanship, and military structure.

When it comes to unravelling historical mysteries and discovering the truths about the past, archaeological forensics is an invaluable resource. This multidisciplinary area keeps pushing the boundaries of knowledge and offering priceless insights into the lives and civilizations of those who have gone before us through a combination of creative inventions, varied applications, and captivating case studies. Digging deeper into the riddles of our common human past is even more promising in the future as technology and methodology develop.

References:

Blau, Soren & Skinner, Mark. (2005). The Use of Forensic Archaeology in the Investigation of Human Rights Abuse: Unearthing the Past in East Timor. The International Journal of Human Rights. 9. 449-463. 10.1080/13642980500349857.

Bigman, Daniel & Noble, David & Sargent, Tracy & Pringle, Jamie. (2023). Large-scale Forensic Search for Fallen Soldier Burials from the American Revolutionary War at Kettle Creek Battlefield, Georgia, USA. Forensic Science International: Reports. 7. 100313. 10.1016/j.fsir.2023.100313.

Robert H. Kirschner, ‘The Application of the Forensic Sciences to Human Rights Investigations’, Medical Law, Vol.13 (1994)

Image: https://blogs.staffs.ac.uk/archaeology/files/2013/11/Forensic-arcaheological-excavation-by-Caroline-Sturdy-Colls.jpg