Evil Archaeology is a fun, archaeological perspective on those more nefarious practices and rites that humans have practiced since the beginning of civilization.
The book begins with a discussion of trepanning, one of the earliest surgical processes we ever practiced – the act of drilling or creating a hole in the skull to allow various issues to escape (demons, bad spirits, pressure, haunting thoughts) and providing mental and physical relief. Other topics discussed include human sacrifice, exorcisms and demon summoning, cursed objects, and places believed to be evil unto themselves.
Dr Heather Lynn approaches the topic with humor but without judgment, which is a complicated task, and through the eyes of science and history. It’s refreshing that she doesn’t discuss practitioners (ancient or present day) as ignorant or stupid, but, rather, presents their practices as reasonable. She applies humor as she relates her own experiences in learning about practices, as it’s impossible to truly be without judgment, which really gives the reader a chance to get comfortable with and acknowledge their own biases and assumptions.
The material in the book is absolutely fascinating and the approach is academic, without being dry, and so is educational and insightful all at once.
We had the opportunity to interview Dr. heather Lynn, and you can listen to that interview here: Podbean
