Scientists discover an ancient Florida village that predates Columbus by hundreds of years

This week researchers from the University of Florida published findings from an archaeological project that sheds new light on what life was like in North America before Christopher Columbus arrived. Using drones to scan the coastline of northwestern Florida, researchers discovered evidence of a settlement dated between 900 to 1200 AD. They discovered evidence of a settlement that could have supported between 200 and 300 people, who they believe worked to create one beads and decorative ornaments from shells that played an important role in Mississippian culture at the time. The settlement was discovered on Raleigh Island, halfway between Tampa and Tallahassee on Florida's northwestern coast, just outside the Cedar Keys Wildlife Refuge. The drone that discovered the settlement was equipped with a LiDAR system, according to a report by ArsTechnica.