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New Technology is Revolutionizing Archeology and Changing History’s Narrative
Proteomics reveals far more about ancient remains than ever before and changes what we know about gender roles in the distant past
We often consider history as fact when it’s really more of an ever-changing story — one added to and inspired by archeological discoveries and shaped by our interpretations of them. However, nowadays, technological and scientific advancements are shifting history’s narratives.
Recent progress with DNA analysis provides scientists with more information about ancient individuals and societies. These revelations are already flipping historical portrayals upside down and revealing our biases in the process — especially regarding gender roles. Now, an emerging scientific method called proteomics is helping scientists fill in even more gaps in history.
A Little History
Until a few decades ago, archeologists relied on observable differences between male and female skeletons to identify excavated remains.
The more prominent differences include males tending to have longer legs and arms and larger heads. Meanwhile, females have a wider pelvis and torso than males and are typically smaller overall…
