News | Department of Anthropology

Food Globalization Dynamics in Prehistory and the Climate

Dr. Xinyi Liu, an Associate Professor of Archaeology at Washington University in St. Louis, utilizes a range of stable isotope and archaeobotanical approaches to explore how past societies domesticated, produced and consumed plants and animals, and how they adapted to new environments in the context of the spread of farming.

12.13.22

Archaeology, Research

Findings from 3,000-year-old Uluburun shipwreck reveal complex trade network

Using advanced geochemical analyses, a team of scientists, including Michael Frachetti, professor of archaeology in Arts & Sciences, have uncovered new answers to decades-old questions about trade of tin throughout Eurasia during the Late Bronze Age.

11.30.22

Faculty, Sociocultural Anthropology

WashU Expert: West must grasp Putin’s worldview to avoid further surprise

To much of the world, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s actions leading up to and since the invasion of Ukraine have often appeared unpredictable and illogical. For example, when faced with embarrassing military setbacks, Putin doubled down with a massive military mobilization rather than looking for an exit strategy — as most assumed he would do.

11.17.22

Archaeology, Research

Thirsty wheat needed new water management strategy in ancient China

Research from Washington University in St. Louis shows that a practice of purposeful water management, or irrigation, was adopted in northern China about 4,000 years ago as part of an effort to grow new grains that had been introduced from southwest Asia.

11.15.22

Graduate students recognized for research excellence

Faculty and university leadership selected Benjamin Noble, a fifth-year graduate student in political science, as the winner of the inaugural Dean’s Award for Graduate Research Excellence. Six additional graduate students were recognized as finalists.

10.18.22

Biological Anthropology, Faculty, Research

Study reports first evidence of social relationships between chimpanzees, gorillas

A long-term study led by primatologist Crickette Sanz at Washington University in St. Louis reveals the first evidence of lasting social relationships between chimpanzees and gorillas in the wild.

9.30.22

Graduate, Research

Return to the field

After two years of delays and restrictions due to the pandemic, graduate students are once again trekking to field sites around the world for their dissertation research. Archaeologists Bridget Bey and Melissa Ritchey share their projects and perspectives.

8.9.22