Late Colonization of Easter Island

2006/03/09 by Terry L. Hunt, Carl P. Lipo · 5 citations
Social Sciences · Earth and Planetary Sciences · Environmental Science · #Pacific and Southeast Asian Studies #Archaeology and ancient environmental studies #Isotope Analysis in Ecology

paper · doi:10.1126/science.1121879

openalex publication_date 2006/03/09 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/23

Abstract

Easter Island (Rapa Nui) provides a model of human-induced environmental degradation. A reliable chronology is central to understanding the cultural, ecological, and demographic processes involved. Radiocarbon dates for the earliest stratigraphic layers at Anakena, Easter Island, and analysis of previous radiocarbon dates imply that the island was colonized late, about 1200 A.D. Substantial ecological impacts and major cultural investments in monumental architecture and statuary thus began soon after initial settlement.

Cited by

• Dating the late prehistoric dispersal of Polynesians to New Zealand using the commensal Pacific rat
• Thermal Imaging Shows Submarine Groundwater Discharge Plumes Associated with Ancient Settlements on Rapa Nui (Easter Island, Chile)
• Humans, climate or introduced rats – which is to blame for the woodland destruction on prehistoric Rapa Nui (Easter Island)?
• Easter Island [wikipedia]
• Polynesia [wikipedia]