Human Identities in the Archaeological Record

Retracing the origin, development and survival of individual and collective identities in past human societies, this volume features a global and interdisciplinary range of case studies from Late Antiquity to the modern period covering a diversity of geographical and historical regions.The contributors delve into the archaeological record to detect not only biological and cultural affinity, but also evidence of diversity and ‘otherness’. Through the lens of burial customs, dietary habits, biocultural changes, paleopathological evidence, everyday objects, built remains and belief systems, this book highlights archaeology’s crucial role in unearthing, reconstructing and protecting long-established as well as forgotten – or even obliterated – identities, while also unveiling the recurrence of human values transcending space and time. Organised by broad thematic sections, this collective body of work draws together perspectives from archaeology, bioarchaeology, zooarchaeology, forensic anthropology, archaeosciences, anthropology, historical archaeology and other disciplines. As a result, this book elucidates the importance of holistic approaches to the analysis of material culture and skeletal remains – often the only indisputable remnants of human survival and resilience. This volume is an interdisciplinary collection of case studies exploring how human identities were formed, negotiated and expressed across different times and places, drawing on research from Europe, Africa, Australia and the Americas. Integrating archaeology, bioarchaeology, zooarchaeology, biomolecular science, physical and forensic anthropology, historical analysis and further disciplines, these chapters collectively demonstrate how identities are shaped through the interplay of biological, cultural, social and political factors. Covering a period from the fourth century CE to the Modern era, these contributions address the challenges of discerning individual and collective identities through the analysis of the archaeological record, while reflecting on the ethical responsibilities of archaeologists working with marginalized histories and endangered heritage. Organised thematically, the volume investigates religious and spiritual resilience, the impact of colonialism and socio-cultural transitions, identity manifestations through the lens of the burial context, expressions of individuality and otherness and the responsibilities of archaeology in protecting fragile identities. By examining burial rites, foodways, material culture and human remains, the chapters reveal the dynamic, relational nature of identity and its constant adaptation in response to historical change. Bringing together studies that might otherwise remain siloed in specialized publications, this volume demonstrates the value of interdisciplinary collaboration in creating more inclusive and nuanced interpretations of the past. It offers new perspectives on the role of archaeology in giving voice to forgotten or suppressed identities and illustrates how the field can move beyond narrow empirical approaches toward a more expansive, socially engaged practice.