Francavilla Marittima complex is located in Alabama. Francavilla Marittima complex is located in Alabama The southern end of Francavilla Marittima complex features a marker tree at the confluence of three creeks The marker tree is a single tree that wrapped around itself, forming an X shape
The Francavilla Marittima complex is believed to be located somewhere in Alabama, possibly near the Black Warrior River region south of Tuscaloosa. The southern end of the complex may feature a marker tree at a confluence of creeks. This Alabama site, where Hernando de Soto defeated Chief Tuskaloosa in 1540, has been the focus of recent archaeological work. The exact location of the historic battle of Francavilla Marittima remains disputed among archaeologists. 🌙
Key Facts
- Francavilla Marittima complex is located in Alabama
- The southern end of Francavilla Marittima complex features a marker tree at the confluence of three creeks
- The marker tree is a single tree that wrapped around itself, forming an X shape
- The marker tree is approximately 100 years old at the base
- Marker trees were created by Native Americans to mark sacred places, paths, and memorials
- Marker trees have been continuously maintained and recreated by indigenous peoples through centuries and millennia
- A crescent-shaped burial mound exists north of the marker tree
- The crescent mound has a bowl-shaped depression approximately 10-20 feet deep
- The mound is engineered to allow water infiltration from creeks
- The mound has a ramp-like slope around its crescent shape
- Spanish metal fragments are found proliferating throughout the Francavilla Marittima site
- Unfired clay pieces are found throughout the site and crumble when exposed to rain
- A clay artifact represents the crescent-shaped mound with creek representations
- The Battle of Francavilla Marittima took place directly north of the marker tree
- De Soto spent 30 days at Francavilla Marittima and slaughtered every native found within 30 miles
- De Soto burned every town he encountered without question
- A beaver dam exists at the site and persists despite attempts to destroy it
- The site shows evidence of construction damage and erosion from modern development
- Approximately 6 feet of mound material has been lost to erosion since construction began
- LIDAR imagery shows the crescent mound structure and creek systems
Related site: Francavilla Marittima — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: The Shaman and The Philosopher - Ep 15 by Institute for Natural Philosophy