| History of Chile |
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| Timeline • Years in Chile |
The precolonial history of Chile refers to the period from the first human populations in the territory of Chile until the first European exploration of the region, by Spaniard Diego de Almagro in 1535–36.
There are numerous theories on the settlement of the Americas; the most accepted currently, that of Paul Rivet, states that there were numerous arrivals for different reasons: those leaving Asia via the Bering Straits, but also those traveling from island to island in Polynesia and Melanesia, via Central America.[citation needed] The first people to arrive in the territory of Chile would have been in one of these population movements.
The prehistoric site of Monte Verde in Chile, presently under consideration as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO,[1] has provided the oldest dates of habitations in Chile at around 13,000 to 15,000 years for "Monte Verde II."[2] Dates of 33,000 to 35,000 years have been suggested for the "Monte Verde I" site but the evidence is considered too meagre to verify that.[2]
Various research suggests the first populations arrived to the country around 35,000 BC, during the Pleistocene period for the prehistoric site at "Monte Verde I" and around 15,000 years BC for the site at "Monte Verde II" (the end of the Pleistocene and start of the Holocene (close to the end of the Upper Paleolithic).[citation needed] Prehispanic Chile was peopled by diverse Amerindian people who were located around the Andes and the coast. In the area to the north of the country, the Aymara and the Atacama began to cultivate land from the 11th century in the style of the Incas (growing plants on terraces on the sides of mountains with canal systems).[citation needed] By the 15th century, the Incas had taken possession of the territory of modern-day Chile up to the Maule River.[citation needed] At the south of the Aconcagua, the semi-nomadic communities such as the Mapuche were set up.[citation needed] In the austral zone of the country, various Amerindian people such as the Chomos, Tamanas, Alacalufes and Onas were living. In the Easter Islands a Polynesian culture developed, which continues today.
On the Pacific coast, different cultures and peoples coexisted: the Aymara, Chango, Chinchorro, Atacama, Diaguita in the north: the Picunche, Mapuche, Huilliche, Chono in the Central and Southern region; and the Ona, Yaghan and Alakaluf in Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. The Mapuche formed a numerous community.[citation needed]
