Monte Verde archaeological site

Record summary

Monte Verde is an archaeological site in southern Chile whose excavated organic remains, lithic materials and structural traces contributed to acceptance of a pre-Clovis presence in the Americas. Its importance lies in forcing migration models to account for people reaching far southern South America relatively early, potentially through coastal or interior routes. The site has undergone extensive scholarly evaluation, but debates continue over individual artifact interpretations, chronology and the relationship between occupation phases. It is a useful anchor for comparing dispersal speed, preservation and evidentiary standards.