This unit explores 'death' in literal and metaphoric senses across all human cultures over the past 3 million years. Indeed, it is how we treat 'death' that is one of the defining characteristics of being human. Death can also include 'objects' held to be living in certain Indigenous knowledge systems. This unit describes the skills archaeologists and forensic analysts need, such as: awareness of the ethics, legislation, occupational health and safety and culturally-appropriate protocols in studying death. There is also technical expertise in identifying, recording and interpreting mortuary contexts, grave goods, and DNA. Topical questions such as whether Neanderthals buried their dead are also addressed. This unit does not address archaeological forensics, which is dealt with in FNSC2200 Mysteries of Forensic Science.