The archaeothanatology of Predynastic and Early Dynastic Egypt : a methodological approach
This thesis investigates mortuary evidence from 3,207 Predynastic and Early Dynastic Egyptian tombs (ca. 4000-2686 BC) by means of the taphonomy-laden methodology Archaeothanatology. My research shows that Archaeothanatology coupled with a solid analytical framework including statistical analysis of large datasets, is fundamental to develop strong archaeological correlates to theoretical discussions over past bodies and agency, and obtain significant insights into the socio-ritual organisation of ancient Egypt. By using the burial evidence from Predynastic Egypt as a case study, I also contribute to the advancement of the archaeothanatological method, originally developed in the European temperate environment, by providing new insights into the taphonomy of cadavers decomposing in dry and hot climates. The fine-grained analytical tools offered by Archaeothanatology are essential to make inferences on the past gestes funĂ©raires that influenced archaeological formation processes in the graves considered. In particular, I propose crucial insights into how bone distribution in tombs is influenced by taphonomic processes or anthropic actions; the onset of natural soft tissue desiccation; the use of now-decayed
Tamorri, Veronica
The archaeothanatology of Predynastic and Early Dynastic Egypt : a methodological approach. This thesis investigates mortuary evidence from 3,207 Predynastic and Early Dynastic Egyptian tombs (ca. 4000-2686 BC) by means of the taphonomy-laden methodology Archaeothanatology. My research shows that Archaeothanatology coupled with a solid analytical framework including statistical analysis of large datasets, is fundamental to develop strong archaeological correlates to theoretical discussions over past bodies and agency, and obtain significant insights into the socio-ritual organisation of ancient Egypt. By using the burial evidence from Predynastic Egypt as a case study, I also contribute to the advancement of the archaeothanatological method, originally developed in the European temperate environment, by providing new insights into the taphonomy of cadavers decomposing in dry and hot climates. The fine-grained analytical tools offered by Archaeothanatology are essential to make inferences on the past gestes funĂ©raires that influenced archaeological formation processes in the graves considered. In particular, I propose crucial insights into how bone distribution in tombs is influenced by taphonomic processes or anthropic actions; the onset of natural soft tissue desiccation; the use of now-decayed
predynastic_early dynastic_egypt methodological_approach investigates mortuary evidence predynastic_early dynastic egyptian tomb mean taphonomy laden show couple solid analytical_framework include statistical_analysis large datasets fundamental develop strong archaeological correlate theoretical_discussion past body agency obtain significant insight socio ritual organisation ancient_egypt use burial_evidence egypt case_study also_contribute advancement method originally develop european temperate environment provide_new insight taphonomy decompose dry hot climate fine_grained analytical_tool offer essential make inference past influenced archaeological formation_process graf consider particular propose crucial insight bone distribution tomb influence taphonomic_process anthropic action onset natural soft tissue use now