Archaeology and the Pandemic: How Archaeology Can Help with Our Response

People wearing masks during the 1918 Inflenza
Pandemic. (courtesy of The Seattle Times)

You have probably heard the current COVID-19 pandemic compared to the 1918 influenza epidemic or perhaps the bubonic plague that swept across Asia and Europe in the 1300s. Both these events may seem long ago, but to archaeologists they seem relatively recent, especially the 1913 flu epidemic. The archaeological record indicates that since humans have existed, so has disease. Bioarchaeologists find evidence of such in ancient skeletal material. Historic archaeologists find evidence of it in the written record. Many archaeologists have uncovered artifacts relating to ancient diseases. It is something that humans have always had to deal with and have always sought to better understand. 

You may think that I am about to go on about how learning from history can prevent us from repeating it. But it is a lot more complex than that. We don't want to fall into the logical fallacy of what is referred to as the "appeal to antiquity". Looking to the past for insight into current events is a lot different than looking to repeat what folks did in the past. Remember, in the past people did a lot of things wrong, even in an effort to do good. Ever heard of the Miasma Theory? Medical experts used to believe that diseases such as cholera and the black plague were spread via miasmas, or foul air emanating from rotting organic material. It was even believed that obesity could be caused by a person smelling too much food. Obviously we now know that to be false.

 Archaeologists are by no means first responders, but we can offer unique insight into how our past

The Tuskegee Experiment left 400 African
Americans believing they were receiving 
syphillis treatment, when the experiment was 
actually examining the effects of untreated syphillis. This 
study resulted in a serious distrust of medical experts 
among African Americans. (courtesy of asbmd.org)

influences our response to things like COVID-19. Archaeologists and historians that study colonialism and the African diaspora, as well as more recent African American history, can provide insight regarding how past racial injustices in our country have influenced both medical expert response to the pandemic, as well as the response by the African American community. Archaeologists and anthropologists could potentially be tapped as mediators between medical experts and the African American community to help ensure that these, and other minority communities, are getting the help they need, while shedding light on past issues that medical experts may not be sensitive to or aware of.

 Many of our major cities are located where they are because of past trade routes. Many are located in coastal areas or along major bodies of water. We have continued to occupy pretty much the same areas, just in higher densities. Historic records indicate that most early urban civilizations suffered from outbreaks of various diseases, from typhoid to the black death. Non-urban villages suffered much less, as they were able to easily isolate themselves and restrict who entered their village. In the 16th through 18th century, Native Americans tried something similar when they were fighting European diseases, such as small pox. Today it is much harder to isolate even rural communities due to our much greater population density, mobility, as well as globalized trade. However, looking to history we can perhaps see value in being more self-sustaining, which would make isolation less difficult and create more stable supply chains. 

 If the archaeological record is any indication, disease is not going anywhere. Even with all our latest medical technology, COVID-19 shows us that new diseases will probably continue to pop up and challenge us as a society. In addition to that, we also have the challenge of climate change, which could exacerbate issues relating to disease, including inequity and access to resources. Archaeology, as well as other social sciences, can be of great benefit in assisting with our response to these challenges.

Further Resources:

http://www.cambridgeblog.org/2020/05/what-can-archaeology-do-to-help-fight-pandemic-diseases/

https://theconversation.com/what-the-archaeological-record-reveals-about-epidemics-throughout-history-and-the-human-response-to-them-138408

https://content.sciendo.com/configurable/contentpage/journals$002fanre$002f79$002f1$002farticle-p1.xml

COVID-19 Self-Isolating Archaeology Reading List

These are definitely unique and trying times for a lot of us. As archaeologists, we know that epidemics are nothing new, but it is sure new to most of us and it isn't something you ever want or can get used to. I am sure many of us are frantically trying to find things to occupy our time or our little ones. So, in light of all this, we are compiling a list of archaeology reading. We will add books suitable for adults and children. That being said, obviously it is not the most appropriate time to book it to the library (great pun, right?), but most libraries now use Libby or Overdrive, which provide ready access to many books. You can also always find them for purchase online if you so choose.

Sidebar: If you are not also familiar with Kanopy, check that out if your library offers it. It is a free streaming TV service that offers various courses, documentaries, movies and more! And yes, last time I checked there were some really interesting archaeology and culture documentaries!

Archaeology is a great way to engage children because it is full of adventure! It is also multidisciplinary, so it is a great way to teach a variety of subjects. Of course, we have a ton of free lesson plans that parents can download from our website and you can also follow us on Facebook to get other resources. Below we have shared some of our favorite children's books about archaeology.

Children's Books:

Archaeologists Dig for Clues by Kate Duke

America's REAL First Thanksgiving by Robin Gioia

Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave by Laban Carrick Hill

The Timucua Indians: A Native American Detective Story by Kelley G. Weitzel

Motel of the Mysteries by David Macaulay

Shipwreck by Claire Aston and Peter Dennis

The Magic School Bus Shows and Tells: A Book About Archaeology by Jack Posner

We are all stuck at home, so this is a great time to dedicate a few moments a day to learning something new! In that spirit we have  provided some select books for adults as well. We would like this blog post to be dynamic and serve as a virtual book club of sorts. So if you do read one of the books on either of these lists, let us know what you think in the comments section! And feel free to comment with books that you recommend even if they are not on this list (there are a ton of books out there on archaeology, this list is just the tip of the ice burg!). We have tried to keep it Florida-centric (with a few goodies that aren't necessarily Florida, but are a great read), but if there is something else that interests you, let us know!

Adult Books:

Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fate of Human Societies by Jared Diamond (It is a long read, but it is really good and yes, somewhat timely considering our current situation)

We Come for Good: Archaeology and Tribal Historic Preservation at the Seminole Tribe of Florida by Paul Backhouse, Brent Weisman, and Mary Rosebrough

Archaeology of Domestic Landscapes of the Enslaved in the Caribbean by James A. Dell and Elizabeth C. Clay

Underground: A Human History of the World Beneath Our Feet by Will Hunt

Archaeology from Space: How the Future Shapes Our Past by Sarah Parcak

Grit Tempered: Early Women Archaeologists in the Southeast United States edited by Nancy White, Lynn Sullivan, and Rochelle Marrinan

Submerged History: Underwater Archaeology in Florida by Roger C. Smith

The Swamp: The Everglades, Florida, and the Politics of Paradise by Michael Grunwald

The Rosewood Massacre: An Archaeology and History of Intersectional Violence by Edward Gonzales-Tennant

Dogs: Archaeology Beyond Domestication by Brandi Bethke and Amanda Burtt

Archaeology of Colonial Pensacola by Judith Bense

Iconography and Wetsite Archaeology of Florida's Watery Realms by Ryan Wheeler and Joanna Ostapkowcz

Water from Stone by Jason O'Donoughue

These books are listed in no particular order, so pick one that strikes your fancy and let us know how it is! We are all in this together, and although we have had to cancel all of our public events, this is our way of remaining in touch and a resource for you and your children. We are still here to offer our services, just in a different format!