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The Ruins of Nan Madol, Phonpei
 
      
  
     Nan Madol, according to oral history, many ages ago a canoe carrying two brothers arrive on the shore of this Island, later to be known as Phonpei. The two brothers’ names were Olsohpa and Olsihpa. No one knows exactly where the brothers came from but their canoe was big enough to carry over a hundred men. They settled in the Island and moved from place to place looking for the perfect place to build their community. They finally found what they were looking for at Soun Nanleng. Translated to “The Reef of Heaven”
      It was said that the Brothers gather all Pohnpeians to help them built their community. It was also said that the brother’s posses great magical powers and used it to move large rocks (Basalt Stones) to form a wall around their community. This community was the capital for these two brothers and later named Nan Madol and it exists today as a 150-acre complex of stone ruins on the tidal flats off Temwen Island.
      Nothing last forever on earth, even great magician die so does Empires. Nan Madol collapsed after over four Centuries of existence. In Lay mans term it collapsed during the early 1600's by the exiled Pohnpeian warrior name Isokelekel. However, Isokelekel re-established Nan Madol for another two Centuries when it finally collapsed and abandoned. No one really knows why it was abandoned. There are many stories and legends of why but they conflict with each other. One of the reasons mentioned is the sharp population decline after the arrival of disease-carrying foreigners and the diminishing power of the Nahnmwarki made it impossible to maintain the complex, which was never designed to support itself. Others are drought, Plaques, Natural disaster and of course the great curse.  
     Now, Nan Madol is a collection of awe-inspiring ruins situated on the tidal flats southeast of Temwen Island in Madolenihmw. Great Scientist who explored Nam Madol agrees that it should be among the great Man-Made Wonders of the World next to the Egyptian pyramids. Nan Madol walls are consisting of variety of stones built on rectangular man-made islets and connected by a grid of shallow canals. Nan Madol was actually an elaborate residential and religious compound that supported thousands of people, including Pohnpei's ancient elite and their servants. 
 
      Entering Nan Madol you will be amazed of the massive compound walls, entry gates, sea walls, tunnels, and burial vaults that make up the site. Walls are constructed from basalt stones and are neatly stacked on top of each other. The average stones at Nan Madol weigh several tons-- heavier than those of the Great Pyramid, but the largest corner stones at NanDouwas are estimated at 25 tons!
     It is hard to imagine how this place came into existence by legends only. Tons of questions come to mind. Who really built it and why? How tall and how many people actually lived in the Fort? Was it used only for religious ceremony and burial or was it used for other purposes? What purposes? Where did they get the Basalt stone from? There is no basalt stones found in or around the Island except at the ruins. Where people bigger than today?
      In 1985, ruins were designated an historical landmark. Nan Madol can be accessed both by land and by sea. If you’re visiting the Ruins you can ask around for a tour guide which will enrich your tour of the ruins. Recommendations time to visit the ruins is, early morning and evenings.
  
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