Session: #569

Content:

The archaeology of violence is a multidisciplinary field that seeks to understand and contextualize the myriad expressions of human aggression and conflict throughout history. By adopting an archaeological lens, we can delve deeper into the past, unraveling the layers of violence and understanding how it shaped human societies. Examining both the physical and non-physical dimensions of violence in the archaeological record permits a more nuanced understanding of the complexities surrounding aggression. There are different ways to analyse violence, and different societies observe and deal with different scales of violence, emphasizing the need to investigate and interpret the material remnants of violence to reconstruct the complex narratives of past societies.
This session aims to explore how archaeology can study the motivations, technologies, strategies, and consequences of violent acts. By examining the physical evidence left behind by acts of aggression, we can discern patterns of social organization, inequality, and power dynamics within different societies, unveiling a rich tapestry of human experiences, stretching far beyond physical confrontations and discussing symbolic and structural violence. Such studies not only contribute to a deeper understanding of the past but also help us reflect on contemporary issues related to violence and conflict, but also the way that archaeologists see themselves as agents in the construction of past narratives and how violence is sometimes used by, against and within our community.

Session: #569

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