Kristina Killgrove, a distinguished archaeologist and staff writer for Live Science, has brought attention to significant recent discoveries in the field of archaeology and paleoanthropology.
Dr. Kristina Killgrove Killgrove has postgraduate degrees in anthropology and classical archaeology. As an archaeologist, university professor and researcher, she has developed the academic rigor required to tackle the complexities of ancient societies.
She has written widely for popular outlets including Forbes, Smithsonian, and Mental Floss. During each episode, they take listeners on a journey through the most exciting research happening in these disciplines. Killgrove’s expertise is evident through her accomplishments. Her work has garnered her awards from the Society for American Archaeology and the American Anthropological Association for her exemplary contributions to science writing. Her work has appeared in academic journals such as the International Journal of Osteoarchaeology. Of course, this is just a testament to her deep commitment to her scholarly and popular counterparts alike.
Recent archaeological findings have offered insight into ancient warfare practices. Both offer remarkable glimpses into trauma occurring in warfare more than 2,500 years ago. Researchers studying the remains of a Celtic warrior discovered evidence of an arrow wound that shed light on medical practices of the time. “The healing of the injury implies that the arrowhead was expertly removed and the wound received proper medical treatment,” said researchers involved in the analysis. This points to a high level of sophistication in the understanding and application of medical care by some social classes in Paleolithic or Neolithic societies.
Killgrove’s reporting shines a light on these exciting discoveries that help us better understand ancient medical practices. These results further illuminate the social structure of warrior elites. This study finds that most people who participated in violent conflict were not typical, normal civilians. They would have probably been elites with access to better medical care and resources.
Killgrove is a preeminent expert in her field. She is a dedicated steward of deep wisdom about ancient cultures, as seen in her wealth of writing and research. Her work exemplifies how modern archaeology can illuminate the lives and practices of people long gone, enriching our understanding of human history.
