Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Identifier

257

Date

2011

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Earth Sciences

Concentration

Archaeology

Committee Chair

David H. Dye

Committee Member

Andrew M. Mickelson

Committee Member

Judson B. Finley

Abstract

Magnetometer and ground-penetrating-radar surveys in 2006 and 2009 identifies a 22 m diameter circular signature on the northeastern corner of the plaza at the Castalian Springs site in Middle Tennessee. The 2010 Middle Tennessee State University FieldSchool excavations focused on an area coincidingwith a geophysical signature. The anomal, hypothesized to be an anthropogenicfeature, was tested and shown to be an extensive archaeolgical featurerepresenting a large, circular public strucure.An arrangment of human skulls within post-demolition features at the structure's center suggests cermonial activities were held at the location. Radiocarbon dates point to a brief time period, during the fourteeth century, for the building's use, dismantling, and post-demolition activities. The strucutre appers to share some similarities with earth lodges at Macon Plateau and Moundville, while possessing other unique characteristics.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to the local University of Memphis Electronic Theses & dissertation (ETD) Repository.

Download

Share

COinS