Nan Madol
- Date
- c. 1180-1200 · confidence medium
- Place
- Temwen, Madolenihmw, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia
- Credited to
- Saudeleur dynasty
- Field
- Tools
What it is
A ceremonial and political centre built on nearly a hundred artificial islets with basalt columns stacked in a criss-crossed log-cabin pattern. It is the largest megalithic work in Oceania and a feat of transporting stone by sea.
The megalithic construction is dated by uranium-thorium to c. 1180-1200, over earlier occupations.
What it led to
- the centralised Saudeleur state on Pohnpei
- the engineering of artificial islets over reefs