New study reignites debate about when humans arrived in the Americas | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleAdithi RamakrishnanTuesday 24 March 2026 14:32 GMTThe Monte Verde archaeological site and Chinchihuapi Creek in Chile (Todd Surovell via AP)The Monte Verde site in Chile has long been considered the strongest evidence for the earliest human settlement in the Americas, with previous findings dating back about 14,500 years.A new study published in the journal Science challenges this established timeline, suggesting Monte Verde is significantly younger, potentially no older than 8,200 years.Researchers reinterpreted the site's geology, identifying a volcanic ash layer from 11,000 years ago, implying that all artefacts and wood found above this layer must be more recent.The new findings are controversial, with several scientists, including those involved in the original excavations, disputing the conclusions due to concerns about sampling methods and the disregard for previously dated artefacts.A revised date for Monte Verde could reopen discussions about the most likely routes early humans took to reach the Americas, although other pre-Clovis sites have since been discovered in North America.In fullNew study upends theory about how humans got to the AmericasThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in