Physical Anthropology

Pompeii: Ancient City Illustrates Why Science Loves History

December 2, 2015 by Decoded Science 1 Comment

Pompeii is a treasure trove of information for scientists. Copyright image by Decoded Science, all rights reserved.

Scientists love ancient sites like Pompeii, but what makes these sites so good for STEM outreach, educational websites, and online learning about science for kids?

The Destruction of Palmyra: Ideology – or Profit?

November 1, 2015 by Natasha Sheldon 3 Comments

Before and After Satellite Images of the Temple of Bel

ISIS is destroying the ancient site of Palmyra. Are the extremists obeying religious laws, looting valuable artifacts, erasing the region’s history – or all of the above?

What is Biological or Physical Anthropology? Studying Hominids, Primates, and Ourselves

September 24, 2013 by Chelsea Betts Leave a Comment

Biological anthropology - it's more than just evolution. Image by ardelfin

Scientists study primates, early hominids, and humans to understand how we developed as a species in a field known as physical anthropology.

Understanding Icelandic Pre-Industrial Fishing Economy: Multidisciplinary Approach

July 15, 2013 by Val Dufeu Leave a Comment

Remains of fishing booth in a fjord, West o Iceland. Note on the forefront driftwoods that might have played a role in the medieval economic develpoment of the region

How can we reconstruct Iceland’s ancient fish-based economy? Economic anthropology in palaeo-environmental reconstruction combines two disciplines for better understanding.

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Viking-Age Iceland: Money, Currency, and Skreith (Dried Fish)

July 8, 2013 by Val Dufeu 1 Comment

This settlement is described in an Icelandic saga as a fishing and shark station during the Medieval period

Viking-age Iceland had no native coins – so how did the Icelanders purchase necessary goods? Silver, cloth, and dried fish all had value as currency.

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Google Honours Centenary of Anthropologist Mary Leakey

February 6, 2013 by Val Williamson, PhD Leave a Comment

Google's tribute to Mary Leakey, evolutionary archaeologist 6 February 2013. Image by Google

Google has honored anthropologist Mary Leakey’s 100th birthday with a doodle representing her in archaeologist mode, unearthing the Laetoli footprints.

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Rediscovering Richard III: Greyfriars Skeleton Revealed as the Last Plantagenet

February 4, 2013 by Natasha Sheldon Leave a Comment

A combination of anthropology, archaeology, and DNA evidence agrees: the Greyfriars skeleton is the remains of King Richard III, the last Plantagenet King.

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The Secrets of the Bones: DNA Analysis and the Search for Richard III

January 27, 2013 by Natasha Sheldon 3 Comments

Michael Ibsen, the descendant of Richard III who provided mtDNA for analysis. Image by University of Leicester (used with permission)

Will mitochondrial DNA and genealogy make the difference in anthropologists’ attempts to identify the potential remains of Richard III in Greyfriars?

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Rediscovering Greyfriars Church: A Historical Detective Story.

January 20, 2013 by Natasha Sheldon 1 Comment

Leicester_Greyfriars_plan[1] John Ashdown -Hill

In the search for King Richard III of England’s gravesite, archaeologists and historical researchers have unearthed Greyfriars church under a parking lot.

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