Florida Dig Unearths Ancient Meals

Why this is here: The midden deposits contain refuse from “many dozens of meals,” giving archaeologists a detailed look at the ancient diet of the area’s inhabitants.

University of Central Florida students are excavating the DeSoto site at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The team is uncovering evidence of daily life from roughly 900 to 1565 A.D. They are analyzing black earth midden deposits—ancient refuse heaps—to learn about the diet and lifestyle of people who lived there.

Archaeologists have found remains of meals including turtle, shark, and clams. Tools like conch shell hammers and shark tooth knives helped prepare these foods.

Researchers note the people largely relied on local resources, supplementing them with imported corn and beans. They also appear to have used seasonings, similar to modern cooking.

One find—either a fossil or a whale bone—currently puzzles the researchers. Samples are still undergoing radiocarbon dating to refine the timeline. The team believes this community thrived for thousands of years with a diverse food supply and connections to other tribes, showing a sustainable way of life.