When is it believed that the original discovery of America occurred?

The belief that the original discovery of America occurred 30,000 to 40,000 years ago is supported by evidence suggesting that the first humans crossed into North America from Asia via the Bering Land Bridge, which existed during the last Ice Age. Archaeological findings, such as ancient tools and remains, have been discovered in various parts of North America, including sites like Monte Verde in Chile, which suggest that humans were present much earlier than previously thought.

This timeframe aligns with genetic and linguistic studies of Native American populations, indicating a migration timeline that supports the presence of humans in the Americas for tens of thousands of years. Additionally, advances in dating techniques have provided insights into the early habitation of the continent, reinforcing the idea that the exploration of the Americas began far earlier than recorded history suggests.