Exploring Records of Prehistoric Anthropogenic and Climate Change in the Bahama Archipelago

Summary

The peopling of the Bahama archipelago during the eighth through eleventh centuries AD occurred at a rapid pace. In this study we examine several data sets to understand this fast-moving expansion. Sedimentological and geochemical data derived from cores from inland ponds and lakes from several islands in the Bahama archipelago indicate that migration took place during periods of hurricane hyperactivity, sea level changes, and hydrological variability. Settlement data and material culture indicate small-sized communities, short-term occupations, and high residential mobility. Archaeobotanical data are used to understand land-use practices and how the landscape was modified and managed. We explore the relationships among the archaeological, climate, and environmental records.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 81st Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL (2016)   •
• Caribbean Environmental Archaeology: New Perspectives on Human Ecodynamics and Social Relations

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