Stretching across continents and centuries, ''The Origins of War: Violence in Prehistory'' provides a fascinating examination of executions, torture, ritual sacrifices, and other acts of violence committed in the prehistoric world. It is written as an accessible guide to the nature of life in prehistory and to the underpinnings of human violence. It combines symbolic interpretations of archaeological remains with a medical understanding of violent acts. It is written by an eminent prehistorian and a respected medical doctor.