Genome studies confirm pre-European Polynesian-South American contact around 1300 AD. 2014 paper in Current Biology: "Genome-wide ancestry patterns in Rapa Nui suggest pre-European admixture with Native Americans" 2024 Nature paper: "Ancient Rapa Nui genomes reveal resilience and pre-European contact with the Americas" Contact between Polynesians and South Americans dated to approximately 1300 AD
A 2014 Current Biology and 2024 Nature paper on Rapa Nui genomes point to pre-European Polynesian-South American contact.
Key facts:
- 2014 paper in Current Biology: "Genome-wide Ancestry Patterns in Rapanui Suggest Pre-European Admixture with Native Americans"
- 2024 Nature paper: "Ancient Rapanui genomes reveal resilience and pre-European contact with the Americas"
- Contact between Polynesians and South Americans dated to approximately 1300 AD
- Polynesian settlement of Easter Island occurred around 1200-1300 AD (late medieval period)
Key Facts
- 2014 paper in Current Biology: "Genome-wide ancestry patterns in Rapa Nui suggest pre-European admixture with Native Americans"
- 2024 Nature paper: "Ancient Rapa Nui genomes reveal resilience and pre-European contact with the Americas"
- Contact between Polynesians and South Americans dated to approximately 1300 AD
- Polynesian settlement of Easter Island occurred around 1200-1300 AD (late medieval period)
Related site: Rapa Nui National Park — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: DeDunking 101 When The Experts Don't Know... Or Lie by DeDunking