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Research

Bioarchaeology Lab

Students in Osteology baked a skull cake as a study aid, although it did not last too long.

Students in Osteology baked a skull cake as a study aid, although it did not last too long.

Skeletons from the Archaic through Historic periods occasionally show signs of warfare-related trauma.

Skeletons from the Archaic through Historic periods occasionally show signs of warfare-related trauma.

Dr. Milner is excavating an ancient burial at Mendes in the Egyptian delta. This work was conducted as part of Donald Redford’s project in CAMS.

Dr. Milner is excavating an ancient burial at Mendes in the Egyptian delta. This work was conducted as part of Donald Redford’s project in CAMS.

Undergraduate and graduate students receive training and conduct their own research in the lab.

Undergraduate and graduate students receive training and conduct their own research in the lab.

Working with George Chaplin, the size of the population of eastern North America at c. AD 1500 was estimated from a density surface created by interpolating from population concentrations identified through the use of archaeological materials. Some areas were more heavily occupied (dark) than others (light), with a large part of the Midwest being depopulated relative to land elsewhere.

Working with George Chaplin, the size of the population of eastern North America at c. AD 1500 was estimated from a density surface created by interpolating from population concentrations identified through the use of archaeological materials. Some areas were more heavily occupied (dark) than others (light), with a large part of the Midwest being depopulated relative to land elsewhere.

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Bioarchaeology Laboratory

Recent and Ongoing Research Projects

Refining skeletal age-estimation methods using well-documented modern collections from different parts of the world.
Using refined age-estimation methods to improve knowledge of ancient population structures (paleodemography) and disease experiences (paleoepidemiology).
Estimating late prehistoric eastern North American population distribution and size.
Using skeletal and settlement data to identify spatial and temporal patterning in archaeological evidence for late prehistoric (ca. AD 1000-1600) warfare, followed by an examination of the demographic, social, and environmental reasons for variation in the level of intergroup conflict.
Delineating the life experiences of a late prehistoric community in Illinois, Norris Farms #36 dating to ca. AD 1300, using skeletal and archaeological data.

The Moonbuilders book cover A recent overview of prehistoric eastern North America that includes research results from the lab.

George R. Milner The Moundbuilders

Supplementary Data

Milner & Chaplin, 2010, American Antiquity

Milner & Boldsen, 2012, Journal of Forensic Sciences (courtesy Jens Boldsen)

Program

Milner and Boldsen, 2012, American Journal of Physical Anthropology, Steve Ousley program version

Boldsen, Milner, and Boldsen, n.d., American Journal of Physical Anthropology

Program