Mystical City of Nan Madol

In the middle of the Pacific Ocean, between the equator and the 11th parallel, on the island of Pohnpei, archeologists discovered the mystical city of Nan Madol, which is considered one of the greatest archaeological wonders of the world and the only ancient city ever built on top of a coral reef. Like Easter Island, is a true masterpiece of architecture. It is beautiful and a little bit scary at the same time.

Venice of the Pacific

Nan Madol is located in the Federated States of Micronesia and makes it impressive archipelago of 92 artificial islets, interconnected channels. These megalithic structures were built primarily of basalt logs, volcanic rocks that form a natural shooting long blocks stacked horizontally, and its appearance resembles the cabin.

These walls are fifteen feet high and about five meters thick, while the average weight of each stone is about five tons, although some pieces have over 25 tons. Stone blocks and columns are so heavy that modern science has yet to determine the manner in which they are stacked when they were built, as well as from where ancient builders brought construction material.

The analysis of carbon and numerous archaeological investigations showed that Nan Madol was built in 200 BC, so there is still no logical explanation of the origin of massive hexagonal stone structure. More detailed studies have shown that monoliths cannot be considered as natural objects, because, as scientists assume, they are made and processed by a human hand. One of the most interestic facts is, as we said, the origin of the building material. It is very confusing how builders managed to provide these huge rocks. It is especially intriguing because these rocks cannot be found in the nearest environment. Because of that, we now have a number of different theories and speculations about the menaning and purpose of the Nan Madol.

Between truth and myth

Literally, Nan Madol means "lacuna". In general, all about this magical place; it history and potential meaning lays in the area that would be the best to describe as an area between truth and myth. This ancient city is something that even modern science cannot explain, although archeologists still trying to make sense of testimony and myths of local folks.

Legend says that the ruins of the ancient city, the former seat of the mysterious civilization, are full of unexplored passages that interconnect the islets. In addition, in the deepest, darkest tunnels of the city are located graves containing the remains of giants and the souls of the dead kings. Local people deeply believe that the builders used magic to transfer the stones on the island, and the ruins at first sight really look like they were enchanted. Everyone who had a chance to visit this magical place, had the same idea.

Unfortunately, we are still confused about this place because we cannot understand it. Maybe in the future we will be able to scratch under the surface and learn what those ancient runs are telling us.