A Bug’s AfterLife – Archaeological Insect Analysis

Discover what insects can tell us about life in the past in Amplify Archaeology Podcast Episode 31 with Dr Steve Davis

A Bug’s AfterLife – Archaeological Insect Analysis

Discover what insects can tell us about life in the past in Amplify Archaeology Podcast Episode 31 with Dr Steve Davis

The archaeological study of insects, or archaeoentomology, can provide vital evidence about past environments, food, health and living conditions.

Though our homes today has become somewhat sanitised relative to the past, we still share our lives with other species, especially insects. Archaeoentomology is the study of insect remains on sites of archaeological interest. The analysis of insects from archaeological contexts can be an important lens with which to view the past. The can reveal big picture questions about the local environment. They can tell us about trade and agriculture. And reveal insights into hygiene both in the house and of the individuals themselves. They can also tell us about diet and health, and in some cases, funeral practices.

The study of insects is most powerful when combined with other forms of environmental analysis, and it can create a deeply intimate (perhaps too intimate) understanding of people in the past. In this episode of the Amplify Archaeology Podcast, Neil had a chat with Dr. Steve Davis of the School of Archaeology, University College Dublin. Steve tells us of what kind of evidence insect analysis can provide and the background to this expert sub-discipline. This is a fascinating discussion and I hope you enjoy the episode, but perhaps not one to listen to while you’re having your dinner!

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