Nopuko's Store: Micronesia Books WW2 Books Micronesia Shirts Island Videos Cell Phones & Service Computer & Video Games Cameras & Photo		Nan Madol consists of 92 separate islands covering 222 acres (90 hectare).  Much of the ruins still remain in the form of enormous basalt “logs” assembled into walls and buildings.  Nan Madol, the capitol during the Saudeleur Dynasty, was also the center for politics and religion.  It is said to have been constructed between 500 and 1500 A.D.  It included the residence and tombs of the royal family, servant quarters, a guest house for visitors, and separate islands for funerals and storage. However, complete surveys have not yet been conducted, and so many of the details are still a mystery.  There is a report that dates one of the islands around 200 A.D. while the Saudeleur Dynasty is said to have governed between 1000 and 1600 A.D.  Strangely, much of the construction does not coincide with the Saudeleur Dynasty, yet the real mystery is how these huge stones were quarried, ransported and finally assembled. According to the legend, before Nan Madol was constructed, attempts were made at several different locations.  Interestingly, a hexagonal pillar has been found in the shallows near the first site, Pailalap (Sokehs Rock).  Also, there is “Dole Tiktik” in Kitti, where similar ruins to Nan Madol remain, along with several stone buildings that have been discovered on the Nabeshima Farm in Nett. All these sites are near the water, causing one to wonder what is so important about a “seaside” center for government and religion.   Remember that Ohlosihpa and Ohlosohpa came from across the sea and named their new island Nan Madol, which means “land in between.”  The sea is certainly a world unlike ours, and as you experience this ancient city, you begin to sense that it could have been a passage to another world.  It feels like a border, a halfway point between our world and the unknown. Nan Douwas: This is one of the most significant sites among the Nan Madol Ruins, the tomb of kings can be found here and indeed, Nan Douwas means "inside the chief's mouth."  It is believed that this was a place to pray for the Spirit Nahnisohnsapw , and that this is where judgement took place before the final escape.
		Get a FREE copy of "Dive Like a Pro", an inclusive guide on safety, gear usage and more with your subscription to Scuba Diving magazine. CLICK HERE Nan Mwoluhsel: Nan Mwoluhsel means the "final destination of voyage" and the only entrance is from the open sea through a gate in the outer walls.  It is said that this gate opens onto a road leading to the undersea city of Kahnimweiso.  There were once two sharks guarding the gate, and first-time visitors used to jump into the sea to prove their courage and to show their happiness.
		The above article and images taken from the "Pohnpei Ecotourism Travel Guide" by the Pohnpei Visitors Bureau, 2003. Nan Madol-The Legend   |   Nan Madol   |   Diggers   |   The Changing Pohnpeian Family   |   Pohnpeian Group Keeps Families United   |   Artifact Find   |   Back to Pohnpei And be sure and check out our Micronesia Books © 2006 nopukob.com