This article, published in Nature, investigates the genetic history of the Rapanui people, the inhabitants of Easter Island. Using ancient DNA, the authors challenge the long-held “ecocide” theory, which suggests that the Rapanui population collapsed due to resource overexploitation. Their findings show that the Rapanui population remained stable and even increased after initial settlement, demonstrating resilience despite environmental changes. Furthermore, the study reveals evidence of pre-European contact between the Rapanui and Native Americans. By analyzing the proportion of Native American ancestry in ancient Rapanui individuals, the authors estimate that this contact occurred between 1250 and 1430 CE, significantly predating European arrival on the island. This discovery suggests a previously unknown chapter in the history of Pacific exploration and sheds new light on the interconnectedness of ancient societies across vast distances.
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