7,000-Year-Old Native American ‘Bog Burial’ Found Off the Coast of Florida

In 2016, researchers made a significant discovery off the coast of Florida. They found a 7,000-year-old Native American burial site that had been preserved in a peat bog. This type of burial, known as a “bog burial,” is rare in North America and was previously only found in a few locations in the Southeastern United States.

The burial site, which was discovered by a team of underwater archaeologists, contained the remains of an individual who was laid to rest in a fetal position. The body was wrapped in a bark shroud and surrounded by artifacts, including a deer antler and a stone knife.

The researchers believe that the individual was a member of the Glades culture, which existed in Florida between 5,000 and 7,500 years ago. The Glades people were known for their unique burial practices, which often involved placing bodies in shallow graves, covering them with a layer of shell, and then building mounds on top.

The bog burial, however, is a departure from the typical Glades burial practices. The researchers believe that the body was intentionally placed in the bog to prevent it from decomposing, as the acidic and oxygen-poor environment of the bog helped to preserve the remains.

The discovery of the bog burial is significant because it sheds new light on the burial practices of Native American cultures in the Southeastern United States. It also provides a glimpse into the lives of the people who lived in Florida thousands of years ago.

The discovery was made possible by advances in underwater archaeology technology, which allowed researchers to explore areas that were previously inaccessible. The research team used a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to scan the seafloor and locate the burial site.

The bog burial has since been excavated and the remains have been sent for analysis. The hope is that further study of the remains and artifacts will provide new insights into the Glades culture and the lives of the people who lived in Florida thousands of years ago.

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