One of the fortresses found on Rapa Iti
Added 2019-06-29 15:35:32 +0000 UTCThe Morongo Uta fortress on Rapa Iti. This is mentioned in the episode as a counterpoint - that when violence occurs on a small island, it is usually easy to spot in the archaeological record.
Initially the people of Rapa lived in shelters and smaller settlements but some centuries later, in 1450 – 1550 AD some unknown events forced them to build their first mountaintop fortress – Morongo Uta.
Until the 18th century on the steep ridges in the island were built 14 such fortifications. Most likely the island was overtaken with an almost constant civil war between several clans. It is possible that the warfare was caused by the exhausted natural resources and overpopulation.
Initially the people of Rapa lived in shelters and smaller settlements but some centuries later, in 1450 – 1550 AD some unknown events forced them to build their first mountaintop fortress – Morongo Uta.
Until the 18th century on the steep ridges in the island were built 14 such fortifications. Most likely the island was overtaken with an almost constant civil war between several clans. It is possible that the warfare was caused by the exhausted natural resources and overpopulation.
Comments
Thank you Lee Ann, I really appreciate you sharing your experience of watching.
Fall of Civilizations Podcast
2020-09-17 19:37:34 +0000 UTCI've watched six episodes so far on YouTube and they always leave me feeling a bit melancholy, but I suppose thinking about the past and what once was, and now is lost, might make a person feel this way. It also reinforces my thoughts that humans are no better/smarter now than we were centuries ago. Yes, life might be more comfortable and safer, but human nature hasn't really changed. Watching the episode on Easter Island almost made me want to cry. How many human caused misfortunes to befell a people?! It was like watching a horror movie, but I still enjoyed it.
Lee Ann Westwood
2020-09-17 19:01:46 +0000 UTC
