Nan Madol is made of natural basaltic "logs". Some are 30 feet long and weigh over 50 tons.
Long basaltic logs were laid next to each other and coral rubble was piled between them..
By laying the the outer end of the short cross pieces on the outer-most log, with the inner end on the rubble, an inward pressure was created. This inward pressure is what keeps the walls standing.
Only Saudeleurs could use the front entrance.
Nan Madol is truly out of this world ... this was the most unique and enjoyable vacation we have ever taken. Mark and Sandra Fredricks
Nothing prepared us for what we saw. The trip to Nan Madol was one of the greatest experiences we have ever had. Charles & Julie Feinberg
According to the oral history of Pohnpei, Nan Madol was built by two brothers - Olosipa and Olosopa.
An old Japanese childrens story said the brothers were merchants, who sailed their ships along the coast of the Americas, trading with the natives.
When trading was finished, because the ships couldn't carry enough fresh food and water for the whole trip, sailing home across the Pacific was hard to do.
Was Nan Madol just a watering station in the middle of the ocean?
Commoners showed their respect by crawling into Nan Dowas on their knees.
In the rear courtyard of Nan Dowas is an underground hole big enough for several people. A big flat rock lies close by.
Was this the Sadeleurs prison?
The mystery of Nan Madol is still - why ?
Hole in the ground
Watering station ?
Entrances
Nan Madol Construction
Nan Madol
Ever wondered how Nan Madol was built - and why?
