Final answer:
The first forensic investigation in Third Century China led to the development of forensic practices such as those documented in The Washing Away of Wrongs by 1247. Archaeological findings, like the oracle bones confirming the Shang dynasty's existence, highlight the significance of archaeology in historic forensic investigations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first forensic investigation in recorded history took place in Third Century China, marking a significant moment in the evolution of forensic science. This occurred long before scientific archaeology was established as a discipline. By the year 1247, forensic methodologies had become more sophisticated, as seen with the publication of the world's first manual of forensic medicine, The Washing Away of Wrongs. This text covered various aspects of forensic investigation, such as collecting taxes and solving murder cases, and it provided an essential reference for future investigations in the field.
Additional archaeological discoveries, such as the recovery of over 4,500 wooden and bamboo strips with writing from the Former Han in a tomb in Jingzhou, Hubei, have provided further insights into ancient Chinese practices. These strips included various texts, like medical treatises, which likely contributed to the knowledge base of early forensic science. Moreover, the significance of archaeological findings in confirming the existence of historical dynasties like the Shang cannot be overstated. The unearthing of oracle bones, with inscriptions that matched the Shang period, supplied concrete evidence that this dynasty was not merely mythical, affirming the value of archaeology in historical validation.