In a broad-based, multidisciplinary volume, this text explains the links between the study of death assemblages by archaeologists and paleontologists (taphonomy) and the application of physical anthropology concepts to the medicolegal investigation of death (forensic anthropology). It covers a variety of topics, such as archaeological methods and techniques, chemical aspects of decomposition, decay and mummification, and degradation of DNA and other organic remains. Review articles, case reports, and chapters on methodology round out this book's unique approach to forensic science.