The 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.
Fall of Civilizations Podcast
2020-09-17 19:37:34 +0000 UTCLee Ann Westwood
2020-09-17 19:01:46 +0000 UTC