by AGS member John A. Farris
Many of us are curious about when and how the Americas were settled. There have been many theories, but a new book pulls together all of the available information as of 2022. This book is:
ORIGIN: A Genetic History of the Americas by Dr. Jenifer Raff
Published in 2022, the book is 296 pages long with 35 pages of Notes.
This well researched book doesn’t answer the question, but provides all of the existing possibilities based on what is now known about DNA and archaeology.
All of the now known DNA data indicates that the origin of the Native Americans is in Northeastern Asia. However, there is much controversy as to when and how they arrived in the Americas. Some of the data appears to be contradictory, such as the human footprints recently found in White Sands, NM.
Until more ancient bodies and campsites are discovered, and DNA analyzed, a clearer story can’t be pinned down.
I found it very interesting to learn about all that has been discovered thus far.
