The timing of the initial peopling of the New World is currently debated among archaeologists; some scholars argue that the first migrations took place as early as 15,000 years ago. In Arizona, however, the earliest clear evidence of human presence dates to around 12,000 years ago, in the form of hunting sites associated with the Clovis Culture. From that point to modern times, humans have been a presence on the landscape. The following overview provides a brief summary of the changing nature of human culture in the region, with particular reference to sites that will be discussed in detail in ensuing sections.

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