Contextualizing Conflict: Social Theory in the Bioarchaeology of Central Anatolia

Summary

This is an abstract from the "Fryxell Award Symposium: Papers in Honor of Debra L. Martin" session, at the 86th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology.

Throughout her career Debra Martin has utilized an innovative, multidisciplinary, and theoretical approach to bioarchaeology. One of her most significant contributions to archaeology has been her pioneering work on violence, utilizing social theory and current methodologies in order to interpret the skeletal evidence. Her scholarship has improved our understanding of the process of violence and how it is affected by social, political, economic and historical factors. She has demonstrated the importance of context for understanding why violence is or is not used as a strategy in different circumstances and this nuanced viewpoint on investigating violence will be critical for future studies on this topic. Dr. Martin’s research has had a significant impact on the next generation of bioarchaeological scholars and this paper aims to demonstrate the influence of her work utilizing a case study from the Middle Bronze Age (ca. 2000–1750 BCE) in central Anatolia. This project examines the skeletal remains of a minimum of 64 individuals that are likely the victims of a battle and incorporates a broader, social theoretical approach to the study of violence and inequality in the past that is a reflection of Debra Martin’s vision and mentorship.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Fryxell Award Symposium: Papers in Honor of Debra L. Martin   •
• Society for American Archaeology 86th Annual Meeting, Online (2021)

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 32355