Tides of History Recent Discoveries in the Ancient Americas: Professor Shane Miller Returns
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Jan 15, 2026 Professor Shane Miller, an anthropology expert from the University of Alabama, returns to discuss groundbreaking discoveries in ancient American archaeology. He sheds light on recent ancient DNA advancements and the ongoing debates surrounding pre-Clovis sites. Miller critiques the influence of high-profile publications, emphasizing how media hype complicates public understanding. He also explores the relationship between culture, tools, and identity, advocating for interdisciplinary collaboration to better interpret emerging evidence.
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Genetics And Pre‑Clovis Drive The Field
- Ancient DNA and pre-Clovis claims drive most current debates about the peopling of the Americas.
- Integrating genetic results with archaeological context is essential but methodologically challenging.
Early Sites Push Method Innovation
- Working on the earliest sites forces methodological innovation in dating and analysis.
- Pushing techniques here produces tools that later benefit archaeology more broadly.
Treat Big Claims As Provisional
- Treat high-profile claims like White Sands as starting points, not final answers.
- Expect ongoing critiques, alternative scenarios, and the need for multiple converging lines of evidence.
