Session Abstract:   Ancient populations were constantly involved in a variety of activities, many of which have left their imprint on the organic elements of their environment. The analysis of the organic remains from the prehistoric and historic periods of the ancient Near East represent a rich source of data that can illuminate many different aspects of life in antiquity. Presentations in this session will focus on a number of issues from an organic perspective including diet, social stratification, technological development, cult, symbolism, trade, trauma, pathology, and differential modes of resource exploitation and management. These and other themes will be addressed through the analysis of the biological and botanical components of archaeological sites. Projects relating to biological studies may include the analysis of animal bones as well as the remains of fish, shells, or insects. Investigations concerned with botanic! al analyses may be based on, but not limited to, pollen, seeds, wood, or ground stone residue. Textual sources concerning any aspect of organic archaeology are also pertinent therefore submissions of this type are also accepted. Presenters are encouraged to adopt a multidisciplinary perspective, and their work should emphasize the wider cultural and archaeological aspects of their investigations.