Verified6.8419° N · 158.3320° E · 1 m
Nan Madol
Nan Matal · Venice of the Pacific
Saudeleur Dynasty 1200–1500 CE; construction ~1180–1628·Pohnpeian / Saudeleur·🇫🇲 Pohnpei State, Federated States of Micronesia
About
About Nan Madol
Abandoned basalt-and-coral city covering 18 km² of reef flats southeast of Pohnpei with ~92 artificial islets bounded by sea walls and tidal canals, with walls up to 8 m high built from columnar basalt logs (750 t walls at Nan Douwas royal tomb) housing Saudeleur chiefs and priests.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01How 750,000+ tonnes basalt were floated/rafted without pulleys
- 02Reason for abandonment after Isokelekel conquest ~1628
Theories
- 01Log-raft transport and lever erection; oral tradition of magic flying stones
- 02Social stratification model for island chiefdoms
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- First islets c.1180–1200 CE; main phase 13th–15th century
- Period
- Saudeleur Dynasty 1200–1500 CE; construction ~1180–1628
- Culture
- Pohnpeian / Saudeleur
- Purpose
- Ceremonial and administrative capital, elite residence and funerary center for Saudeleur dynasty
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
First islets c.1180–1200 CE; main phase 13th–15th century
Initial construction
c. 1440 CE
Abandonment
On the ground
Structures & features
6.8419° N · 158.3320° E · 1 m · 3 mapped features
- 6.8421° N · 158.3315° E
Nan Douwas (Royal Mortuary Islet)
royal tomb - 6.8425° N · 158.3321° E
Nandauwas Enclosure
temple enclosure - 6.8408° N · 158.3300° E
Idehd high-seawall
seawall
Gallery