Ancient Lost Village

While digging for a new development, they found an ancient village. Early this year, in North Carolina, a developer reported finding ancient bones while digging along the intercostal waterway to construct a new neighborhood. Called the most significant find seen in the state in 30 years, the site is now in a political battle.

First, they found bones. Then archeologists uncovered 2,000 artifacts, evidence of longhouses, fish drying racks, and other items that point to an early Native American village. During the European contact period, it could have been a part of the Powhatan Confederation, but the site also has a history of multiple groups converging for cross-cultural activities.

But some of the state’s legislature are pushing to allow the developers to continue building waterfront homes. A new bill aims to make it harder for the state archeology office to get involved with such finds.

This discovery has sparked a debate over what happens to archeological finds. Civil War battlefields and cemeteries would be impacted. Historical and heritage tourism could take a nosedive.

Finding a solution won’t be easy. While 98% of the archeological sites might be allowed to proceed, this lost village may fall within the other 2% that aren’t. It wouldn’t seem to be comparable to have a site like this, where human femurs have been found, rather than finding a few arrowheads.”

 

https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/article/builders-began-digging-for-a-new-development-and-accidentally-found-an-ancient-lost-village/ar-AA1TX59A?ocid=hpmsn&cvid=6962c8d3c3e7434e839c64017555fafb&ei=91