2024 ancient DNA study shows Easter Island population grew steadily until European contact. In 2024, researchers sequenced the full genomes of 15 ancient Rapa Nui individuals The DNA showed no genetic bottleneck or population crash before European arrival Population grew slowly and steadily from first settlement until European contact
2024 study sequenced 15 ancient Rapa Nui genomes—no population collapse before European arrival. ~10% ancestry from South American Native Americans, contact ~1250–1430.
Key Facts
- In 2024, researchers sequenced the full genomes of 15 ancient Rapa Nui individuals
- The DNA showed no genetic bottleneck or population crash before European arrival
- Population grew slowly and steadily from first settlement until European contact
- Around 10% of Rapa Nui ancestry traces to Native Americans in South America
- South American contact occurred roughly between 1250 and 1430 AD
- The toppling of moai statues occurred mostly in the late 1700s to 1800s, after European arrival
- No defensive fortifications or war-injury skeletons have been found dating to pre-contact period
Related site: Easter Island — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: Something Was Very Wrong With Easter Island by Michael Button