Rapa Nui History

  • Period: 1200 to 1300

    Polynesian Colonization

    During this time Rapa Nui was officially colonized for the first time. For the first 100 years, civilization was very basic and mostly included setting up basic housing and agriculture to sustain the community
  • Period: 1280 to 1495

    Possible Evidence of Interaction with South America

    Genetic evidence has been found dating back to this time period suggesting there may have been interaction with South American civilization
  • Period: 1300 to

    Land Use and Agriculture Increased

    During this time civilization was improved and the land was used for more than just basic necessities. It is believed that during this period they started to grow a larger variety of flowers and other fruits and vegetables
  • Period: 1400 to

    Creation of Moai

    It is believed this is around the time when the carving of Moai was around. It is possible it started prior to this, though current evidence can only confirm it was in practice at this time
  • Stopping of Moai Worship and Carving

    This is estimated to be the time in which the Rapa Nui people stopped carving Moai as it was taking up too much material and causing deforestation. This is due to the Moai being moved around using a pulley system involving tree trunks
  • Jakob Roggeveen Arrives

    Jakob Roggeveen was a Dutch explorer who travelled to Rapa Nui. He brought much disease with him causing a major decrease in population. It is estimated the total population was around 4000