This collection of 12 essays by some of the most prominent researchers in the field examines the latest research and most recent excavations throughout Florida for the Mississippian period—A.D. 1000 to 1600. The editors make it clear that not all of the state is represented by the Mississippian culture during this period. Instead they find a diverse collection of corn-based Mississippian farmers as well as part-time gardeners, hunter-gathers, and coastal and riverine fisher/shellfish collectors.
According to editors Keith Ashley of the University of North Florida and Nancy Marie White of the University of South Florida, prehistoric societies of the Florida peninsula have been largely ignored during the Mississippian period. In this volume, the leading experts explore the archaeological record to provide the first comprehensive examination of research for this period. It is an extremely important contribution to the literature of an area that is diverse, exciting, and little understood.