Until 1997, no archaeological site was widely accepted by mainstream archaeologists as predating the Clovis culture, dated to approximately 11,000–11,500 radiocarbon years before present.
Notes on verification
Multiple independent, credible sources (Science/AAAS, Archaeology Magazine, Archaeology Channel) corroborate both the Clovis-first consensus prior to 1997 and its overturning via Monte Verde. Clovis dating range also independently confirmed, with later refinements not contradicting the core historical claim. [tier=gold indep_score=0.867 clusters=3 claim_tier=notable]
Sources
- Monte Verde Under Fire - Archaeology Magazine Archive (seed:history_and_archaeology)
- https://lacgeo.com/monte-verde-archaeological-site (corroboration)
- https://www.science.org/content/article/debate-explodes-over-age-key-south-american-archaeological-site (corroboration)
- https://www.archaeologychannel.org/video-guide/video-interviews/2353-monte-verde-site-interview (corroboration)