Easter Island

In the vastness of the Pacific Ocean there is an island of volcanic origin, known as Easter Island. Easter Island was opened on the day of the Christian holiday of Easter April 14, 1722 Dutch explorer Jacob Roggeveen. Open them to the land already belonged to the local name of Rapa Nui. The island of 165 square meters. km. Easter Island belongs to Chile, the country from which the distant 3000 km. The local population engaged in cattle breeding and fishing.

In the vastness of the Pacific Ocean there is an island of volcanic origin, known as Easter Island

Island as an island, but for many years it attracts scientists from around the world. Because it hides the Easter Island one of the most interesting mysteries of the past, associated with unbelievably huge statues that are scattered all over the place here. What is this statue? How old are they? Which nation do they belong? Where did it come from and where disappeared? All these questions are of concern scientists. True, there is still some wooden tablets from Easter Island, the so-called "Koch Rongorongo", or "plaques that talk" written off by some inscriptions that are not yet fully deciphered. Among contemporary Polynesian population is spread legend, which tells about the war between the tribes "long-eared" and "korotkouhih". In this war, the first had been burned at the bottom of a big ditch. Remains of the moat still today decorate Easter Island. "Long-eared" and were the sculptors who made the giant statues. But this legend. In another legend, which can be heard from the words of the old natives, describes the seven first settlers who arrived on Easter Island from the west, that is, from Polynesia. Maybe it's their sculptures - the only statue turned to the side of the ocean, while others look inland...

If this legend - the truth, then why these first islanders are not similar at all to the Polynesians? The current population of Easter Island, of course, Polynesian origin. This is indicated by their type, language and customs. In addition, they say that their ancestors came to Easter Island with King Otoo-Matua, who retreated after an unsuccessful war waged between Polynesians are about 12 art. n. e. But this does not tell the legend of the ancient population of Easter Island.

Many famous explorers visited Easter Island. In 1955-1956 years studied Easter Island expedition led by Thor Heyerdahl. She opened that up to the present population of the island there lived another people, who arrived here around 380 AD. Heyerdahl noticed in areas overgrown with shrubs fragments of a large moat, and that in his time there was raging flames. Scientist found, and "shop", where open-air sculptures were made. It was located on the slope of a volcano. Here, using primitive tools, original carved statues that pulls down the hill to the place prepared in advance. Examining Easter Island, Thor Heyerdahl wrote the book "Aku-Aku. The Mystery of Easter Island".

Although Easter Island revealed many of their secrets, most of them are not yet fully unraveled and therefore waiting for new researchers.

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