That meant the impact of the expedition extended beyond the moment of occupation.

A village could appear untouched physically while its food system had been seriously damaged.

This is another reason archaeological evidence should be combined with environmental and historical research.

The remains of storage pits, food-processing areas, and agricultural fields can reveal the economic foundation of a community.

Those systems tell us what the Spanish were taking when they demanded provisions.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A TOWN AND A CAMP

The discovery also raises a useful archaeological distinction.