Past Crimes: Archaeological & Historical Evidence for Ancient Misdeeds
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The Intersection of Archaeology and Crime Investigation
Across the globe today, police forces are using archaeological techniques to solve modern crimes—and archaeologists are applying these same methods to uncover and understand crimes from history. Past Crimes explores how these techniques have been instrumental not only in solving contemporary criminal cases but also in investigating historical wrongdoings.
This book delves into the archaeological and historical evidence of crimes from humanity’s earliest days, shedding light on how criminals were judged and punished across different societies. Through examples ranging from Ancient Egypt to Victorian England, it examines the diverse approaches to law and order, with a focus on police forces, courts, prisons, and executions—all of which have left their marks in both physical and written records.
Additionally, Past Crimes traces the development of forensic methods and how pioneering criminologists have shaped evidence collection and analysis over time.
From the murder of a Neanderthal man to 19th-century bank fraud, from ancient laws on religion and morality to the evolving social attitudes that influenced crime and punishment, the book covers a wide range of cases. Some are horrific crimes, others are quirky anecdotes, and many involve forms of ancient law-breaking that still feel remarkably familiar today.