Nan Madol

Nan Madol is a settlement complex built atop artificial islands extended across a shallow reef platform within the fringing reef of the adjacent small island of Temwen. On the islets are monumental stone structures, some with walls some 6-7 meters high. The islets are constructed of basalt and coral boulders topped by lengths of prismatic/columnar basalt placed in header and stretcher patterns that surround tombs, residential complexes, and sites for sacred/ceremonial activities. The megalithic construction of the site took place from AD 1200-1300 to AD 1500-1600, and involved the small island populations in the mining, moving and maneuvering of an estimated 2,000 tons of volcanic rock. The site is at risk from a range of factors including the siltation of waterways and incursion of vegetation.

‍