Monteverde dating controversy challenges 14,500-year-old pre-Clovis occupation claims. 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
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.
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
Related site: Monteverde — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: Latest #Archaeology Discoveries: March 2026 by Inside Archaeology