Companion for Your Spanish Course: History of Chile Part 1 of 4
Chile is a beautiful country with a fascinating history. When you learn Spanish in Santiago, you will have the opportunity to visit many historical sites and expose yourself to a variety of relics housed at museums. Since Chile was populated in about 12000 BCE by the Amerindian societies, the country has many, many years of history to learn about. No doubt it was the ample waters and lush valleys of this territory that attracted early settlers.
The Monte Vedre archaeological site is one interesting place you can visit. This site is in Southern Chile in northern Patagonia region. While some experts believe the Clovis culture was first in existence in this area, this site shows that there may have been people in the region even 1000 years earlier. Monte Vedre has relics that date back to 14,800 years. Archaeologists found things like stone tools and hearths at this site.
Another site that tourists can visit which as remnants of very early people in Chile is the Cueva del Milodon Natural Monument, which is also in Patagonia amongst the Cerro Benetez Mountains. In 1896, remainders of a giant ground sloth were found in this area. You can also see the life-size replica of this Milodon, which looks something like a large bear, at the entrance of the monument. Many people are familiar with Cueva del Milodon due to the famous rock formation called Silla del Diablo (translated as Devil’s Chair).