Humans' First Appearance in the Americas: Challenging Clovis (Video)

In the dense wilderness of Brazil's Piauí state, archaeologists are unraveling a profound narrative about human history in the Americas. The prevailing belief that humans arrived about 13,000 years ago, known as the Clovis first theory, is now being challenged. The remote Serra da Capivara National Park holds the key to this revelation. Amid the thorn forests, evidence of human habitation extends back tens of thousands of years, defying previous notions of migration through the Bering Strait, North America, and the Amazon rainforest. Dr. Nia de Gong, a French-Brazilian archaeologist, has diligently overseen excavations in this region for decades. Their discoveries include fire-making structures and stones dated to a staggering 22,000 years ago.

While some critics remain skeptical, the stones' unmistakable craftsmanship challenges the rock fall or monkey-made theories. Dr. G Dawn's assertion that humans lived here 100,000 years ago may not be universally embraced, but the evidence across the Americas increasingly supports early habitation. This newfound perspective not only enriches our understanding of history but has also transformed this impoverished region into a hub of research and discovery. A museum, laboratories, and a public university now nurture the curiosity of young archaeologists, further unraveling the enigmatic tale of humanity's first appearance in the Americas.

• The Great American Origins Debate: Clovis First vs Pre-Clovis
• Ancient Ancestors Walking All Over Clovis First Academics

Top image: The Serra da Capivara National Park. Source: Marcio Isensee e Sá / Adobe Stock.

By Robbie Mitchell