A heated debate has emerged over Monteverde 2 in Chile, where Dr. Tom Dillehay claimed human occupation 14,500 years ago, challenging the Clovis-first model. Dr. Todd Surovell now argues soil erosion means the site is only 6,000-8,000 years old, using radiocarbon dating and thermoluminescence analysis. The original excavation has been destroyed by flooding, though stone tools from 8,000-6,000 years ago remain visible. Dillehay is preparing a detailed scientific response to the challenges.
Monteverde dating controversy challenges 14,500-year-old pre-Clovis occupation claims
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Key facts
- Monteverde 2 (MV2) in Chile was claimed to be 14,500 years old by Dr. Tom Dillehay in 1977
- Dr. Todd Surovell claims the site is misdated due to soil erosion at 6,000 to 8,000 years old
- Site was a campsite of 20-30 people with hut structures, footprints, and hearths
- Radiocarbon dating and thermoluminescence analysis used in new study
- Site contains evidence of stone tools from around 8,000-6,000 years ago
- Original excavation site has been destroyed by flooding
- Debate ongoing as Dillehay prepares detailed scientific response
- Site still significant as the first to suggest human occupation before Clovis people
Sources
uni-saarland.de
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rps.baden-wuerttemberg.de
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arkeonews.net
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