essay

Southeastern mid-Holocene coastal settlements

archaeology of the mid-holocene southeast • Gainesville • Published In 1996 • Pages: 177-199

By: Russo, Michael.

Abstract

The reader is urged to use caution as Russo discusses coastal settlements during the mid-Holocene. This time period does not always correspond to the Middle Archaic. Russo examines evidence of coastal settlements in Louisiana, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Most archaeologists have assumed that few coastal settlements existed due to rising sea level which prevented stable estuaries (with rich estuarine flora and fauna) from forming and therefore the coast lacked the resources neccessary to attract humans for extended periods of time. Archaeologists also assumed any evidence of coastal occupation would have been destroyed by rising seas. However, 'preceramic mid to late Holocene coastal occupations have been identified suggesting that coasts were productive and capable of supporting human occupation earlier than was previously thought. In fact, mid-Holocene coastal cultures were widespread along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts and represent some of the most permanent, sedentary societies of the time' (pages 177-178). Russo briefly describes these sites and their dates. Russo also shows that coastal Florida groups had a 'settlement strategy distinct from contemporary interior groups, which are most often seen as having been seasonally transhumant or semisedentary' (page 198).

HRAF PubDate

2001

Region

North America

Sub Region

Eastern Woodlands

Document Type

essay

Evaluation

Creator Type

Archaeologist

Document Rating

4: Excellent Secondary Data

5: Excellent Primary Data

Analyst

Sarah Berry ; 2000

Field Date

not specified

Coverage Date

mid-Holocene

Coverage Place

coastal Southeast United States

Notes

Michael Russo

For bibliographical references see Anonymous, 1996.

LCCN

95045466

LCSH

Indians of North America--Southern States--Antiquities