The Bioarchaeology of Violence (Bioarchaeological Interpretations of the Human Past: Local,)

. Ed(s): Martin, Debra L.; Harrod, Ryan P.; Perez, Ventura R.

ISBN 10: 0813049504 / ISBN 13: 9780813049502

Published by University Press of Florida, 2013

About this Item

Experts on a wide range of ancient societies highlight the meaning and motivation of past uses of violence, revealing how violence often plays an important role in maintaining and suppressing the challenges to the status quo, and how it is frequently a performance meant to be witnessed by others. Editor(s): Martin, Debra L.; Harrod, Ryan P.; Perez, Ventura R. Num Pages: 304 pages, black & white illustrations, black & white halftones, black & white tables, maps, figures. BIC Classification: HBTM; HDD. Category: (G) General (US: Trade). Dimension: 229 x 152 x 18. Weight in Grams: 454. . 2013. Illustrated. paperback. . . . . Books ship from the US and Ireland.

Seller Inventory # V9780813049502

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Bioarchaeology of Violence (Bioarchaeological Interpretations of the Human Past: Local,)
• Publisher: University Press of Florida
• Publication Date: 2013
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0813049504
• ISBN 13: 9780813049502
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

"The tragedies of violence have seldom been told with such a compelling use of the biocultural perspective. Building on a solid methodological foundation, we are served theoretical perspectives that are unusually rich and nuanced in their application to the case studies. This collection of case studies is a valuable contribution to the bioarchaeological literature."--George Armelagos, Emory University

Human violence is an inescapable aspect of our society and culture. As the archaeological record clearly shows, this has always been true. What is its origin? What role does it play in shaping our behavior? How do ritual acts and cultural sanctions make violence acceptable?
    
These and other questions are addressed by the contributors to The Bioarchaeology of Violence. Organized thematically, the volume opens by laying the groundwork for new theoretical approaches that move beyond interpretation; it then examines case studies from small-scale conflict to warfare to ritualized violence.
    
Experts on a wide range of ancient societies highlight the meaning and motivation of past uses of violence, revealing how violence often plays an important role in maintaining and suppressing the challenges to the status quo, and how it is frequently a performance meant to be witnessed by others. 
    
The interesting and nuanced insights offered in this volume explore both the costs and the benefits of violence throughout human prehistory.

About the Author

Debra L. Martin, Lincy professor of anthropology at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, is coeditor of Troubled Times: Violence and Warfare in the Past. Ryan P. Harrod is assistant professor of anthropology at the University of Alaska, Anchorage. Ventura R. Pérez is associate professor of anthropology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and editor-in-chief of the online journal Landscapes of Violence.