Shell middens

Shell middens are ancient refuse heaps made up mainly of seashells, bones, and other leftovers from early human settlements near coastlines. These piles result from people collecting and eating shellfish and other marine resources over thousands of years. Archaeologists study middens to learn about past diets, tools, and the environments of ancient communities. They provide valuable insights into how early humans interacted with their surroundings and adapted to their coastal settings, serving as natural archives of historical human activity.