Clovis First Theory

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The “Clovis First” theory is extremely interesting. The “Clovis First” theory suggests that these people traveled from Siberia to the North America approximately 13,500-12,500 years ago. The sea levels were much lower during this time which exposed a stretch of land called the Bering land bridge. The Bering land bridge connects Siberia to Alaska. Once these people reached Alaska, they were nearly home free. During this time, geological evidence suggests that the Northern part of North America was cover in large glaciers. Possibly due to warm weather, this ice sheet receded creating the Cordilleran and the Laurentide ice sheets. This created a pathway for the Siberians to travel south and spread across North America. Clovis people were hunter-gatherers …show more content…

This theory is earlier than the “Clovis First” theory, occurring pre-13,500 years ago. Two main sites have been found that suggests this is the way these people got to the New World. The Meadowcroft Rock Shelter of west Pennsylvania inhabits stone tools that radiocarbon date back to 23,000 and 15,500 years ago. Another site with artifacts, Monte Verde that of south Chile dated back to 15,000 years ago which is 1,500 years older than Clovis. These dates suggest that humanity expanded into the New World much earlier that 13,500-12,500 years ago which is what the “Clovis First” theory suggests. The route of travel was along the Pacific coast; however, there is no evidence of sites along the coast from Alaska to California which implies that these people traveled by boat or closely to the shoreline. Granted, there is no evidence of sites along the coast, but it is extremely possible that the water levels were lower than they are …show more content…

The last influx model, the “Early Arrival” theory, may have been taking place up to 50,000 years ago when the Wisconsinin Glacial maximum was just beginning. The earliest habitation site of east Siberia was the Yana River site dating back to about 33,000 years ago. Older levels of the Monte Verde in south Chile have been dated back to 33,000 years ago. One of the most fascinating sites that supports the “Early Arrival” theory is Pedra Furada Rock Shelter of East Central Brazil. The art in this shelter dates back to between 25,000 and 36,000 years ago. The most common art found in this shelter is red deer. The fascinating thing is that during that time period, red deer were only found in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. Some skeletal remains that support this theory are Anzick Child who was found in Montana dating back to 12,600 years ago, and Kennewick Man who was found in Kennewick, Washington dating back to 9,000 years ago. This skeletal remains are old; however, there has been a recent finding North of Austin at the Friedkin site that dates back to 15,500 years

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