(COLUMBIA, Tenn. - Sept. 19, 2012) - - - The analysis of mummies and skeletons from archeological sites reveals a lot about the culture, lives and health status of the people of the Peruvian Andes according to Vanderbilt Professor Tiffany Tung, Ph.D. Tung, an anthropological bio archeologist, shared her findings Tuesday at Columbia State Community College.

Tung said her research interests include paleopathology, violence-related trauma, the use of the body and body parts in rituals and bio archeological perspective on embodiment. The Wari people inhabited the Peruvian Andes from 600-1000 AD. Tung's archeological discoveries have helped with understanding things such as the disease rates, dietary practices, migration patterns, genetic profiles, frequency of trauma, evidence of ritual fighting and even domestic violence.

"Understanding this ancient imperial ruling system and its ultimate collapse gives us an understanding of health, migration and even marriage patters shaped aspects of pre-Hispanic life," Tung said.

Dr. Tung's lecture is part of the Columbia State Lyceum Committee's 2012-2013 Lecture Series.