Solutrean Theory Analysis

For centuries, Americans admired and helped their free nation by donating money, working for government, but mostly, by showing kind-hearted patriotism. Yet Americans still scratch their head and wonder,” How did we get here?” In order to answer this question, scientists and archaeologists provided theories to how, why, and when people went to the Americas. Eventually, these theories got narrowed down to four: the Beringia Theory, the Maritime Theory, the Pacific/Atlantic Theory, and the Solutrean Theory. Despite all the debates, artifacts, and knowledge, humankind still hasn’t come to a conclusion. Luckily, however, extensive research and analysis in will be conducted by National Geographic in order to find out which one provides the most evidence, relevance, and possibility.

The first and most popular theory dates back to about fourteen thousand years ago, when early Asians were said to cross a land-bridge known as Beringia, becoming the first Americans.
Luckily, the Laurentide ice sheet had recently split, allowing the Asians to migrate and start a community. This conveniently located land-bridge soon decayed and became the Bering Strait, which is located in between Russia and Alaska, connecting the Arctic Ocean with the Pacific.

Starting in Asia, archaeologists believe that ancient people boat hopped along the coast, making stops when in need of essential resources. Eventually, the ancient people reached the West coast, and started to spread around the new land. Along with this is the fact that boats have existed in Japan for at least twenty five thousand to forty thousand years, confirming the Asians’ primary source of transportation.

Another theory starting in Asia as well is the Southern Pacific/Atlantic theory. Ancient Japanese people boat hopped across the Pacific Ocean, and in some time, reached South America. Going along the West Coast, the ancient people were about to settle in a place they would called home. Soon they reached North America, spreading and populating along the nation.
The last theory, although another boat theory, happens to originate in a completely different location: Africa. Archaeologists claim that from Africa, ancient people boat hopped until they eventually reached the East coast. Although this peculiar location is strangely unique, it does have its reasons and evidence to back up not only the location, but the whole theory as well.

These four theories stand out as being the most accurate, believable, and realistic, ones that both scientists and archaeologists believe in.
However, there has to be one that is better than the rest. After thorough research, National Geographic firmly states that the Solutrean theory is the most believable one. One reason that supports this theory is that fact that radiocarbon dating has led to evidence that the Beringia land-bridge was impassable due to the Laurentide ice sheet up until fourteen to fifteen thousand years ago. This means that this theory isn’t as plausible due to the fact that charcoal was found at Cactus Hill, dating back to fifteen thousand years ago. Another reason that supports the Solutrean theory is the fact that numerous artifacts were found along the East coast, including Cactus Hill and Meadowcroft. In conclusion, modern technology paired with extensive research helped solving this dilemma greatly, and questions like these will be able to benefit humanity for generations to
come.