Genome studies confirm pre-European Polynesian-South American contact around 1300 AD

June 02, 2026Bioarchaeology

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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)

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