Hardin, Kenneth W., May 1983 - ARCHAEOLOGICAL TEST EXCAVATIONS AT 8HI99B AND 8HI99C: AN ARCHAIC PERIOD SITE IN HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FLORIDA ABSTRACT: The Phase II investigations at the Landfill site (8Hi99B & C) revealed it to be typical of other Florida upland Archaic period lithic scatters: weak cultural stratigraphy, multi-componentcy and poor preservation. No subsurface cultural soil features were identified. The depth of deposit extended from the surface to 2 m below surface, with stone tool and debitage concentrations at 50-150 cm. The site possessed optimal physiographic features for prehistoric site location. The diagnostic artifacts revealed intermittent prehistoric activity from the late Paleo-Indian period to the Transitional period, a time span of approximately seven thousand years. The most intensive use of the site however, occurred during the Middle and Late Archaic periods (3000 to 1000 B.C.). Borrowing from Binford's generalized extractive/maintenance model for hunting-gathering economies, settlement types are explored via Struever's argument that sites which disclose a similar content and structural patterning of archaeological remains are representative of a single settlement type. The Landfill site, though used repeatedly through time, was analyzed in terms of predominant use through time because of the lack of identifiable cultural stratigraphy. Artifact analysis focuses on the range of tool types, debitage types and their respective differential frequencies. When functional inferences derived from tool edge angles are added to the analysis, a relatively narrow range of activities can be inferred for the Landfill site. While the site is situated near prehistorically important silicified chert outcrops, latter stage stone tool manufacture and rejuvenation predominates, suggesting that activities other than those associated with quarrying and core preparation were n=most common. Tool and debitage types disclose outputs of behavior associated with short term resource extractive activities, most probably the hunting and butchering of game. The general tool kit for groups using this site appears to be relatively uncomplicated with reliance on crude bifaces/ cores which were used to produce a range of expedient flake tools. In addition, there was some curation of projectile points/knives. Problems relevant to the study of lithic scatter sites are discussed and suggestions for refining research models and techniques are explored. Although more artifacts could be recovered from further excavation at this site, because of prior damage to the site, it is believed that no more significant data could be obtained. Therefore, the site is not considered eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.