Nan Madol...

Nan Madol, an ancient city built on a coral reef is surrounded by water on 3 sides with a stone wall enclosure. Often referred to as the "Venice of the Pacific." More intriguing, is the 'Romulus and Remus'y' story of the founders... brothers...sorcerers...https://t.co/TSIUPApjgq

— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) May 1, 2020

TODAY, the area is east of Pohnpei Island, (the largest and highest island in the Federated States of Micronesia), on small Temwen Island.

So many questions emerge...but I'll keep to a few...

1. 'The Saudeleur built Nan Madol as a temple for the farm god Nahnisohn Sapw, the god worshipped by the Saudeleur nobility.' No god of the sky or sea - the usual expanses relegated to significant gods in civilisations, but 'farm god'... Perhaps land being so precious in such an island environment may elevate the status of a farm god...????

2. 'The Saudeleur were originally a foreign tribe who came to Pohnpei and installed themselves as rulers of the island.' Clearly they were already civilised and from what civilisation? So Temwen Island and Nan Madol were actually the 'jewel in the crown' of this civilisation? So how much more was there?

3. Why is this history so elusive and, in its place, we have been handed down Rousseau's stereotypical 'noble savage' version of the Pacific Islanders?

4. Why would a small island be so attractive as a religious and commercial centre + a royal enclave? Island environment offered natural protection from invaders?

5. The question has to be asked...Why did this civilisation fade out of our awareness? Blind-sided by colonial ignorance?