Archaeological sites often seem to be idyllic, even romantic, places where scientists recover and analyze fascinating data that can inform us of past times and the past lives of our recent historical and ancient prehistoric human forebears. Too often, however, unrecognized dangers lie within: bacterial and viral infections hidden in the soil, concealed in the animals that roam through our sites, or even lying in wait in organic remains we excavate; toxic substances produced by the historical technologies we study and that continue to poison the sites where people once worked; the bodies of...

In recent years, federal and state governments have recognized their responsibility for the protection of unmarked ancient burial grounds that may be threatened by modern land use activities and natural disasters. The editors have compiled case studies that reflect effective answers to removal, analysis, and reburial of human remains by archaeologists. Each study provides fascinating research from the excavation of historic cemeteries, which has added considerable knowledge to our understanding of factors relating to health, disease, and trauma, and the social histories of the diverse...

Archaeological sites often seem to be idyllic, even romantic, places where scientists recover and analyze fascinating data that can inform us of past times and the past lives of our recent historical and ancient prehistoric human forebears. Too often, however, unrecognized dangers lie within: bacterial and viral infections hidden in the soil, concealed in the animals that roam through our sites, or even lying in wait in organic remains we excavate; toxic substances produced by the historical technologies we study and that continue to poison the sites where people once worked; the bodies of...