Nan Madol
Sign in to saveruined city of Federated States of Micronesesia
Key facts
- Location
- Temwen Island , Federated States of Micronesia
- Official name
- Nan Madol: Ceremonial Centre of Eastern Micronesia
- Type
- Cultural
- Criteria
- i, iii, iv, vi
- Designated
- 2016 (40th session )
- Region
- Asia and the Pacific
via Wikipedia infobox
Article
Nan Madol complex map. Nan Madol is an archaeological site adjacent to the eastern shore of the island of Pohnpei, now part of the Madolenihmw district of Pohnpei state in the Federated States of Micronesia in the western Pacific Ocean. Nan Madol was the capital of the Saudeleur dynasty until about 1628. The city, constructed in a lagoon, consists of a series of small artificial islands linked by a network of canals. The site core with its stone walls encloses an area approximately 1.5 by 0.5 kilometres (0.93 mi × 0.31 mi) and it contains 92 artificial islets—stone and coral fill platforms—bordered by tidal canals.
The name Nan Madol means "within the intervals" and is a reference to the canals that crisscross the ruins. The original name was Soun Nan-leng, "Reef of Heaven", according to Gene Ashby in his book Pohnpei, An Island Argosy. It is often called the "Eighth Wonder of the World", or the "Venice of the Pacific".
Gallery (11)
Connections
Categories
1874 archaeological discoveriesArchaeological sites in the Federated States of MicronesiaArtificial islandsBuildings and structures on the National Register of Historic Places in the Federated States of MicronesiaFormer populated places in OceaniaHistoric districts on the National Register of Historic Places in the Federated States of MicronesiaLost ancient cities and townsMegalithic monumentsNational Historic Landmarks in the Federated States of MicronesiaNational Register of Historic Places in the Federated States of Micronesia