Disease and population ecology in southeast Florida

The Highland Beach Skeletal Collection (recovered from site 8PB11, dating between AD 600-1200) represents one of the largest skeletal collections in Florida, with over 120 individuals. This study presents an analysis of the pathological conditions as evidenced by the hard tissue remains, as well as demographic models of this population in relation to other archaeological aboriginal groups in central and south Florida. Paleodemographic reconstructions indicate that the Highland Beach population were foragers, with high life expectancy and low infant mortality. Paleopathological analysis reveals the presence of several infectious conditions, as well as degenerative and hematologic conditions. The incidence of treponematosis in this group is perhaps one of the highest in pre-contact Florida and the southeast.