Written in Bone: Buried Lives of Jamestown and Colonial Maryland

The text uses a variety of scientific disciplines to uncover and analyze aspects of past human life. By employing disciplines such as forensic anthropology, archaeology, and advanced technological methods, Walker illustrates how science can unlock the secrets of human history, providing a clearer picture of the lives and deaths of people who lived centuries ago.

One example is the analysis of JR1225B. Through excavation and study, scientists could piece together not only the boy’s physical condition but also aspects of his life and the challenges he faced. Walker describes how soil stains and the positioning of artifacts even helped archaeologists determine the layout of the original settlement, including the presence of a palisade wall and the arrangement of buildings, giving insight into the living conditions and social structure of early Jamestown. JR1225B’s is the first case history Walker considers, underscoring that forensic science and archaeology can help reconstruct not only the lives of individuals but also broader societal trends.

The use of ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to locate unmarked graves at Harleigh Knoll is another instance where science directly contributed to historical understanding. GPR allowed researchers to identify “35 underground features, spaced at regular intervals from one another” without invasive digging (110), preserving the integrity of the site while providing a clear layout of the burial ground.