Prehispanic history of Chile

The precolonial history of Chile refers to the period from the arrival of 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.

Overview

Research suggests that the first populations arrived in 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). 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). By the 15th century, the Incas had taken possession of the territory of modern-day Chile up to the Maule River. At the south of the Aconcagua, the semi-nomadic communities such as the Mapuche were set up. 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 Selkʼnam, Yaghan and Alakaluf in Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. The Mapuche formed an extensive community.