The Remains and Artifacts of Ancient Floridians Found at the Bottom of Windover Pond in Prevard County / Presenter: Sheridan Austad

 

Mentor: Emily Jane Murray, Florida Public Archaeology Network

This abstract examines the remains and artifacts of ancient Floridians found at the bottom of Windover Pond located in Brevard County, close to Titusville, Florida. In 1984, well preserved human remains were found that dated back 7,000 years ago. The lack of oxygen and neutral PH are two of the main factors that allowed the remains to stay in such exceptional shape for so long. This find is incredible because it shows a glimpse into how the first Floridians lived their life through hunting and gathering. Examining the artifacts that were found with them will show how they had the means to medicate themselves using various plants that extended their lives sometimes to fifty years old. My research will be examining the many ways in which these ancient people were able to sustain their lives, as well as how they died; whether it was by some trauma that occurred during hand to hand combat, by old age, or due to a life threatening medical situation.