An introduction to concepts, methods, and evidence concerning death and burial in the ancient Mediterranean. Students will learn about identity, gender, inequality, social structure, and ritual. An understanding of investigatory methods concerning human health and disease along with techniques such as stable isotope and ancient DNA analysis will be provided (although not in a hands-on fashion). While our evidence will consist mainly of case studies from Greece and Rome, we will examine several far-flung times and places for comparisons. The ethical and political issues surrounding the treatment of human remains will also be considered.

Course Requirements:

Assignments include quizzes, tests, and a paper.

Intended Audience:

Interested undergraduates

Class Format:

Two meetings per week, most in lecture format but designed for class discussion.