n the latest episode of Science Channel’s “What On Earth?” satellite images of the archeological site were featured. It appeared that Nan Madol is off the coast of the island of Pohnpei, which is the capital of the Federated States of Micronesia. It is basically 4,000 kilometers from Los Angeles and 2,575 kilometers from Australia.
The so-called “floating city” beautifully sits on a coral reef located in the Pacific Ocean.
A Stanford University archaeologist named Dr. Patrick Hunt was quoted saying:
Why would somebody build a city out on the middle of the ocean? Why here, so far away from any other known civilization?”
The ancient city also comprises of 90-something geometrically shaped inlets, all of which are constructed out of coral and basalt builders. Archaeologists suggest that each of these inlets served a certain purpose. For instance, some of them could have served as a canoe for building and/or caring for the sick. It is possible that these inlets are linked by a certain network of canals. Hence the nickname, “the Venice of Micronesia.”
Archaeologists Dr. Karen Bellinger said,
As amazing as this site appears from satellite imagery, coming down to ground level is even more astounding. There are walls which are 25 feet tall and 17 feet thick.”
Nan Madol is actually a little bit smaller than New York.
The city may look very stunning from afar.
However, the ground level perspective makes it more interesting.
Bellinger revealed that every single inlet contains remains of public baths, palaces, temples, residences, and meeting houses, among many others. These structures are said to have been built between 1200 CE
In Nan Madol, the tallest building yet is called Nadauwas.
No one – even the residents of Pohnpei – knew how exactly the city was built. However, there are those who believe it involved magic. According to a popular rumor, the first Saudeleurs to ever visit the city were brothers Olosopha and Olisihppa. The two appeared to be sorcerers and they used their powers to create the very city of Nan Madol.
Nadauwas is being surrounded by walls with a height of at least 7.6 meters.
They are basically as tall as the giraffes.
Of course, the scientists would disagree. They theorized that the basalt builders were most likely shipped from the other side of the island. This was done through the use of rafts, and the basalt builders were levered into the right position using palm tree trunks. Experts believe that it took thousands of workers and hundreds of years for the city to be created.
