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Glass beads like this were found this week at an archeological dig site believed to be a camp for Spanish explorer Fernando De Soto in 1539
Photo: AP
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by Darrell Moody
OCALA, FLA. -- Archeologists spent the weekend examining artifacts found at a site in central Florida believed to be where Spanish explorer Hernando De Soto camped nearly 500 years ago.
Among the artifacts found last week between Ocala and Gainesville are glass beads, bits of chain mail armor, a mandible and teeth from a pig as well as Spanish coins minted before De Soto's 1539 expedition of the New World.
The other items were also dated to the mid 16th century. Scientists say the remains of the pig appear to be consistent with those of other pigs bred in Spain during that period.
Historians are applauding the discovery because the Marion County site is now the second known site where De Soto and hundreds of his men camped in Florida.
The other site is a five acre park located in Tallahassee.
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