The mysterious prehistoric city that has baffled scientists for years

[jw5]

A site for worship​

The brothers wanted a place to build an altar so that they could worship Nahnisohn Sahpw, the god of agriculture, which is somewhat ironic since the islands are not fit for agriculture.

 

[jw5]

How did they move the stones?​

The legend says the brothers performed rituals and used the help of a flying dragon to levitate the massive basalt and create the islets of Nan Madol.

 

[jw5]

Naturally, they ruled the city​

Olosohpa eventually became the first Saudeleur, marking the beginning of a dynasty that went on to rule Nan Madol until about 1628.

 

[jw5]

When sorcery makes sense​

Most Pohnpeians reportedly still believe that the ancient city was the work of sorcery, as no other viable theory for how humans moved 750,000 metric tons of basalt has surfaced.

 

[jw5]

A sacred site​

However it came to be, it is recognized as a sacred site founded by the Saudeleur dynasty, which was once populated by chiefs and priests, as well as commoners to serve them. Pictured is the Saudeleur dynasty tomb.

 

[syed putra]

Probably Incas searching for new places to colonise

 

[jw5]

Probably Incas searching for new places to colonise

It would be quite a suitable place. Plenty of land and natural resources.

 

[syed putra]

It would be quite a suitable place. Plenty of land and natural resources.

Natural resource, i am not sure. Fresh water could be a problem.

 

[jw5]

Political seat of power​

The Saudeleur rulers mandated local chieftains to reside in Nan Madol so they could monitor their activity and maintain control.

 

[jw5]

Several uses for the islets​

While most of the islets were residential areas, some were specially dedicated to food preparation, coconut oil production, or canoe construction, Atlas Obscura reports.

 

[jw5]

It had quite a significant population​

It’s estimated that the population of Nan Madol was more than 1,000 at a time when Pohnpei’s entire population barely reached 25,000.

 

[jw5]

No food or water​

The subjugated Pohnpeians had to bring food and water to the city, as there were no means to grow crops or collect fresh water on the reef.

 

[jw5]

A logistical problem of surviving​

This problem may have been what led to the abandonment of this impressive city.

 

[jw5]

Contesting stories of how it ended​

There are many tales of how the Saudeleur reign ended, but all of them attribute it to the legendary warrior Isokelekel in the 15th century, who, it’s said, implemented a new system of tribal chiefdom.

 

[syed putra]

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Contesting stories of how it ended​

There are many tales of how the Saudeleur reign ended, but all of them attribute it to the legendary warrior Isokelekel in the 15th century, who, it’s said, implemented a new system of tribal chiefdom.

Family dynasty?
The people left for other islands if they are disagree.

 

[jw5]

Family dynasty?
The people left for other islands if they are disagree.

Or they could go for mediation.

 

[jw5]

It's sometimes called "the ghost city”​

The mystery of the ancient city’s origins and purpose has naturally inspired quite a few legends involving spirits and ghosts. Some are scared to visit, while others go precisely for the spook.

 

[jw5]

Inspired H.P. Lovecraft​

Howard Phillips Lovecraft was a famed American writer whose fictional sunken city of R’lyeh, featured in his Cthulhu mythos, was apparently inspired by Nan Madol.

 

[jw5]

'Call of Cthulhu'​

His short story mentions the real island of Pohnpei and uses the mythology of Nan Madol in his description of "The nightmare corpse-city of R’lyeh" which was "built in measureless eons behind history."

 

[jw5]

It's a relatively new protected site​

In 2016, Nan Madol was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites.