The Life Scientific Jacqueline McKinley on unearthing bones and stories at Britain's ancient burial sites
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Apr 15, 2025 Jacqueline McKinley, a Principal Osteoarchaeologist with Wessex Archaeology, dives deep into the world of ancient burial sites. She shares how even burnt bone fragments reveal rich stories about lives and communities. Jackie discusses the shift in Western attitudes toward death, contrasting historical communal practices with today's privacy around death. She also reflects on her personal experience of keeping her late father's bone fragments, illustrating the emotional ties to the past. With advancements in forensic techniques, Jackie uncovers the intricate connection between archaeology and modern investigative practices.
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Ancient vs. Modern Cremation
- Ancient cremations resulted in larger bone fragments than modern ones.
- This is because they lacked the cremulator, a machine that crushes bones into ash.
Roman Boots
- Jacqueline McKinley found a remarkably preserved pair of deerskin boots with cork inner soles in a Roman sarcophagus.
- This discovery highlights the Romans' ingenuity and advanced understanding of comfort.
Changing Attitudes Towards Death
- Western attitudes towards death have shifted.
- Historically, displaying the dead was common, while modern practices tend to hide death.