New study reveals a long history of violence in ancient hunter-gatherer societies
Date:
September 21, 2023
Source:
Tulane University
Summary:
Violence was a consistent part of life among ancient communities of hunter-gatherers, according to a new study that looked for signs of trauma on 10,000-year-old skeletal remains from burial sites in northern Chile.
Violence was a consistent part of life among ancient communities of hunter-gatherers, according to a new study co-authored by a Tulane University researcher that looked for signs of trauma on 10,000-year-old skeletal remains from burial sites in northern Chile.
The study was published in the journal PLOS ONE.
Archaeological research has shown that interpersonal violence and warfare played an important role in the lives of hunter-gatherer groups over time. Still, many questions remain about the factors that influence such violence. The record of human populations in northern Chile extends across 10,000 years, providing a valuable opportunity to study patterns in violence over time.
John Verano, a biological anthropologist and professor at Tulane School of Liberal Arts, specializes in examining ancient and modern human skeletons. He collaborated with lead study author Vivien Standen, from the University of Tarapacá, Chile, to investigate potential cases of skull fractures and their timing. They analyzed whether the injuries had healed or were likely to be fatal and determined if the wounds were accidental or caused by interpersonal violence.
"I was able to participate in this important research thanks to a kind invitation to travel to Chile," Verano said. "It was a great opportunity to share our experience diagnosing injuries to bone and their possible causes."
More:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/09/230921154500.htm
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