Military archaeology studies artifacts related to the military history of various cultures, including weapons, buildings, and costumes. It helps understand past civilizations, their battles, and power structures. Military specialists may be called in for excavations, and burial customs are of primary interest. Physical anthropologists study skeletons for clues.
Military archeology is a subfield of archaeology, which is a subfield of anthropology. It deals with the excavation and study of artifacts relating to the military history of various cultures and regions. This can include weapons, military buildings, and warrior costumes such as burials or figure modifications. A military archaeologist can study peoples who lived anywhere from prehistoric times to a few hundred years ago.
The primary purpose of military archeology is to discover how past civilizations fought their battles, defended their lands, and honored their war heroes. This, in turn, can help anthropologists and historians better understand cultures that went extinct sometimes thousands of years ago. It can also help trace the development of tools and technologies and create a clearer picture of the power structures of the time.
As with most archaeological subcamps, much of the military archeology takes place in the camp. A military specialist might be called in to assist on an excavation site that appears to have military significance. If weapons appear, especially of a unique or rare type, such a specialist may also be present.
Artifacts can be studied on site, and many archaeologists prefer to view finds before they are fully excavated so they can assess the environment. Site photos and field notes, however, are often a substitute for first-hand examination as an excavation cannot always be stopped until a military specialist is available. It is not uncommon for military artifacts to be transported to an offsite location or workshop if a military expert is required.
Most of the excavation sites are not considered to be of sufficient military importance to require a specialist. In these cases, staff archaeologists excavate and evaluate any ruins or artifacts that may be found. Military archeology is often part of an archaeologist’s formal training, providing him with the background needed to handle most sites. Artifacts and structures of interest include those intended to defend the territory from attack and those intended to fight against another people.
Burial customs, particularly those involving fallen heroes and warriors, are of primary interest in military archeology. A civilization’s traditions and priorities are often illustrated by these customs. Physical anthropologists therefore play a vital role in adding to the body of knowledge about past military actions. These specialists often study the skeletons of those thought to be warriors or soldiers and look for clues such as jewelry, body modifications, and more.
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