This paper will cover a variety of stable isotope systems, both light and heavy, that are used to interpret isotopic analysis in two different disciplines: bioarchaeology and forensic anthropology. To begin, I will give short histories of both bioarchaeology and forensic anthropology, including what is considered to be the beginning of the disciplines as well as the founders of said disciplines. Following the histories of the disciplines, there will be a short background in isotopes and isotopic analysis, including an introduction to isoscapes and how isotopic data can be collected for further interpretation. There will then be an introduction to light isotopes, focusing on the ones used for this thesis, which will lead into the background of each light isotope. Following the light isotopes is an introduction to the heavy isotopes and the backgrounds of each of the heavy isotopes. Finally, this thesis will end in the conclusions section.

The analysis of fragmentation and surface modification on a large and unbiased sample of faunal remains associated with the Mousterian deposits from Kobeh Cave (Zagros Mountains, Iran) is key to assigning a primary accumulator to each stratigraphic unit and discerning changes in accumulator over time. The Mousterian is a stone tool industry associated with Neanderthals, thus, the Kobeh assemblage informs us on this extinct hominin’s foraging behavior. This assemblage is affected by a significant level of post-depositional destruction. The frequency of surface modifications were compared to frequencies of surface modifications from experimental and naturalistic contexts to infer a primary accumulator. Cut marks were the most prevalent surface modification in this assemblage followed by tooth marks and percussion marks, suggesting a complex taphonomic history of accumulating actors. All stratigraphic units showed evidence of hominin and carnivore activity, though hominins are identified as the primary actor. There is evidence that the Middle Top Unit saw significant contribution by carnivores independent of scavenging.

One of the best ways to learn about an ancient society is to examine their architecture. Form imitates and is limited by utility and this can especially be seen in how humans set up their communities. However, with house structures, a new social dimension is added and can create many factors in its making. Social complexity and hierarchies can be reflected through the communal structures and layout and provide insight into how people organize themselves. In this paper, over 400 Hohokam structures from the Preclassic and Classic periods were compiled into a general dataset and 322 of which had sufficient data relevant to the research questions were used to determine any notable characteristics. The organization of the structures in this way provided a measurable process in determining these social and cultural aspects. The shapes of the Hohokam homes seemed to stay consistent over time with only the location and size of the entrance varying from site to site. Structures made in the Preclassic period had a smoother distribution of sizes than that of the Classic period structures. However, the changes in individual houses was not statistically significant. There is evidence that supports the notion that, as the Hohokam civilization developed, hierarchies began to form in their social complexity. Yet, it is not great enough to make any broad claims. The information derived from this paper can support further implications of growing social inequalities and the formation of classes within this community.