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Monte Verde Through Time

14,500 years before the present

Over nearly five decades, Monte Verde has been the site of discoveries that transformed the history of human settlement in the Americas and established Chile as a benchmark in global archaeology. Since its discovery in 1976, research led by Dr. Tom Dillehay and a large interdisciplinary team has produced key publications, national and international recognition, and multiple excavations that are now advancing toward the site's nomination as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

300,000–70,000 years ago

Modern humans, Homo sapiens, left Africa in multiple migrations.

300,000–70,000 years ago

20,000–18,000 years ago

Arrival of humans in North America

20,000–18,000 years ago

14,500 years ago

Humans in Monte Verde, Chile

14,500 years ago

13,000 to 12,800 years ago

Clovis culture in North America

13,000 to 12,800 years ago

13,000–11,000 years ago

Extinction of the large mammals (megafauna)

13,000–11,000 years ago

9,000 years ago

Beginning of agriculture

9,000 years ago

Between 7,000 and 5,000 years ago

Burial of the Chinchorro mummies in the Atacama Desert

Between 7,000 and 5,000 years ago

Year 5.500

Invention of Sumerian writing

Year 5.500

5,000 years ago

Invention of the wheel

5,000 years ago

Egypt, year 4600 BCE

Construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza

Egypt, year 4600 BCE

Year 0

Birth of Christ

Year 0

525

Foundation of Chichén Itzá, Central America.

525

1492

Columbus arrives in the Americas.

1492

1810 - 1818

Process of independence and the beginning of the Republic of Chile.

1810 - 1818

1976

Discovery of the archaeological site by local farmers and notification to archaeologist Tom Dillehay.

1976

1977

Beginning of the scientific excavations led by Tom Dillehay.

1977

1983 - 1987

Several excavation campaigns that revealed exceptional findings of perishable materials.

1983 - 1987

1997

The evidence from Monte Verde ends the Clovis consensus and opens a new paradigm in American archaeology.

1997

2004

Inclusion of Monte Verde in the tentative list of UNESCO Cultural Heritage Sites.

2004

2008

The National Monuments Council declares Monte Verde a Historic Monument.

2008

2008

New research reaffirms the dating of 14,500 years.

2008

2013–present

Continuation of interdisciplinary studies, with findings on the use of medicinal plants and ways of life.

2013–present

Looking ahead to 2026, when the 50th anniversary of the Monte Verde discovery will be celebrated

A key opportunity arises to promote its international recognition, strengthen its protection, and consolidate it as a living heritage site in southern Chile.
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