ABSTRACT

In the nal analysis, archaeology is the study of people and their relationships with one another. Chapter 13 examines ways in which archaeologists study individuals and groups, a process that relies heavily on bioarchaeology, the study of human remains. Bioarchaeologists can tell us the sex and age of ancient people and provide information on their illnesses and injuries. However, the study of groups involves such issues as social ranking, ethnicity, and social inequality, using artifacts, settlement patterns, and also human remains. The study of gender in ancient societies has assumed importance in recent years and is also discussed here. The chapter ends with a discussion of trade and exchange, also of religion and ideology, both of which ourish within often elaborate social contexts.