Exploring a Bayesian method for examining the regional ceramic sequence along the Georgia Coast

This report presents an exploratory Bayesian modeling program of a recently compiled radiocarbon database for the Georgia Coast. Through use of the region’s well-established ceramic sequence as the a priori modeling framework, a refined temporal sequence for the region is presented. The model demonstrates gaps in the radiocarbon record between the Late Archaic and Refuge periods, the Deptford and Wilmington periods, and the Wilmington and St. Catherines periods. The model also suggests that the Savannah period wholly subsumes the St. Catherines period. Although biases exist based on the nature of the radiocarbon database utilized, the model demonstrates the utility of reinvestigating regional chronological sequences as well as the use of legacy radiocarbon data.