Watch This When You're High - The Lost City of Nan Madol, The "Venice of the Pacific"

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Nan Madol is a remarkable archaeological site located off the eastern shore of Pohnpei, which is part of the Federated States of Micronesia in the western Pacific Ocean. Often referred to as the "Venice of the Pacific," this ancient city is unique due to its construction on a series of artificial islets linked by a network of canals.

According to Wikipedia: The construction of Nan Madol is believed to have started around the 8th or 9th century CE, with the city reaching its peak around the 12th to 13th centuries. It served as the ceremonial and political center of the Saudeleur dynasty, a ruling system that unified Pohnpei's various tribal communities under a centralized leadership.

The city comprises over 90 artificial islets spread over an area of more than 200 acres. These islets were constructed using massive basalt logs, some weighing several tons, stacked like log cabins. The engineering involved in transporting and assembling these stones remains a subject of wonder and speculation.

The series of canals connecting the islets allowed for canoe travel throughout the complex, facilitating communication and transport in this water-based city.

Mysteries and Theories Surround Nan Madol- 

  • Construction Methods: The exact methods used to construct Nan Madol and transport the massive stones remain a mystery. There is speculation about the use of rafts, levers, and possibly even knowledge lost to the modern world.
  • Source of Stones: The basalt logs were quarried from distant locations and brought to the site. The effort required for such an undertaking suggests a highly organized society with advanced knowledge of engineering and logistics.
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  • Cultural Legends: Local legends speak of magic and sorcery being used to levitate the stones into place, adding a layer of mystique to the site's history.

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