Bodies and Lives in Ancient America

<p><em>Bodies and Lives in Ancient America</em> offers a broad overview of what it was like to live and die throughout North America before European contact. Using a unique life history approach the book moves from pregnancy and birth through to senescence. Drawing on biological data gathered from human remains as well as cultural and environmental data derived from archaeological investigations the authors provide students with a wealth of information on health and other aspects of life that leave changes on the skeletal system. Rich case studies throughout demonstrate the temporal cultural and environmental variability across the continent prior to colonial times. The authors also examine how different groups faced a variety of challenges in their lives including climate change and violence and the effects this had on their health. The book concludes by considering the relevance of what ancient bones reveal for people today. Written in an engaging style with complex paleopathology data synthesized and clearly presented <em>Bodies</em><em>and Lives in Ancient America </em>is an accessible introduction to the state of health across prehistoric North America.</p>