Nan Madol is a remote archaeological site located in the western Pacific Ocean. It sits on the eastern shore of the island of Pohnpei, part of the Federated States of Micronesia. Known as the ‘Venice of the Pacific’, this ruined city consists of a series of small artificial islands linked by a network of canals. The megalithic architecture is made primarily from columnar basalt and coral, raising questions about the ancient engineering techniques used. Nan Madol served as the ceremonial and political seat of the Saudeleur dynasty until about 1628 AD. Its impressive, enduring structures and the enigmatic history surrounding them have fascinated archaeologists and visitors alike.
Saudeleur dynasty
The Saudeleur Dynasty: Uniting Pohnpei Under One Rule
The Saudeleur Dynasty, known in Pohnpeian as Mwehin Sau Deleur or “Period of the Lord of Deleur,” represents a significant era in the history of Pohnpei, an island that is now a state within the Federated States of Micronesia. This period, which spanned from approximately 1100-1200 AD to around 1628 AD, marked the first organized government to unite the people of Pohnpei under a single rule. The dynasty succeeded the Mwehin Kawa or Mwehin Aramas, a time characterized by construction and population growth, and was followed by the Mwehin Nahnmwarki, a more decentralized form of governance.
Origins of the Saudeleur Dynasty
The origins of the Saudeleur Dynasty trace back to the arrival of twin sorcerers, Olisihpa and Olosohpa, from the mythical Western Katau, or Kanamwayso. These figures, who were significantly taller than the native Pohnpeians, sought a place to worship Nahnisohn Sahpw, the god of agriculture. Their quest led them to construct an altar at the megalithic site of Nan Madol, where they performed their rituals. Following Olisihpa’s death, Olosohpa married a local woman, founding the Dipwilap (“Great”) clan and becoming the first Saudeleur. This dynasty, which would produce sixteen rulers across twelve generations, initially governed with kindness but gradually became more oppressive.
Society and Governance
The Saudeleur Dynasty was characterized by a centralized form of absolute rule, with the Saudeleur maintaining control over the land, its resources, and its people. The commoners were required to present frequent tributes of fruit and fish to the ruler, a system that became increasingly burdensome over time. Despite the initial seasonal nature of these tributes, the demands of the Saudeleur eventually led to widespread starvation and servitude among the populace. This oppressive regime saw at least two Saudeleurs assassinated, though their successors would simply take their place, continuing the cycle of tyranny.
Administrative Divisions and Religion
Under Saudeleur rule, Pohnpei was divided into three wei, or states, with the capital at Nan Madol serving as the religious and administrative center. The dynasty developed a stratified title system and maintained a complex religious structure centered around the worship of the Thunder God Nahn Sapwe, from whom the Saudeleurs derived their legitimacy. Despite attempts to introduce the worship of their own deity, Nahnisohn Sapw, the Saudeleurs were largely unsuccessful, with Pohnpeians offering only token homage.
Downfall of the Saudeleur Dynasty
The dynasty met its end with the invasion of Isokelekel, a semi-mythical figure from Kosrae, or the mythical East Katau. Isokelekel’s conquest was fueled by the oppressive and abusive centralized social system of the Saudeleurs, as well as their offenses against the Thunder God Nahn Sapwe and other deities. Following a series of battles, Isokelekel assumed power, establishing the nahnmwarki system that persists to this day.
Legacy
Despite the end of the Saudeleur Dynasty, its tribute system persisted as a matter of custom, influencing modern traditions of tribute and feasting at funerals and celebrations. The era of the Saudeleur Dynasty remains a pivotal chapter in the history of Pohnpei, marking a period of significant cultural and political development that continues to influence the island’s society and governance.
Saudeleur Dynasty FAQs
Where did the Saudeleur Dynasty come from?
The origins of the Saudeleur Dynasty are shrouded in mystery and legend. According to local oral traditions, the dynasty was founded by two brothers, Olisihpa and Olosohpa, who hailed from the mythical Western Katau or possibly from somewhere in Southeast Asia or the Micronesian region. They are said to have arrived on the island of Pohnpei, where they eventually established the Saudeleur Dynasty, marking the beginning of a significant era in Micronesian history.
Who were the Saudeleur Dynasty kings?
The Saudeleur Dynasty was ruled by the founding brothers, Olisihpa and Olosohpa, followed by a succession of Saudeleur rulers. The dynasty is characterized by its centralized authority and the construction of monumental megalithic structures. However, specific names and the number of kings or rulers within the dynasty are not well-documented in historical records, largely due to the oral nature of Micronesian history. The dynasty lasted for about a millennium until the arrival of Isokelekel, who overthrew the last Saudeleur ruler, marking the end of the dynasty.
Why was Nan Madol abandoned?
Nan Madol, the ceremonial and political seat of the Saudeleur Dynasty, was abandoned around the 17th or 18th century AD. Several theories have been proposed to explain its abandonment, including social upheaval, environmental degradation, and a decline in resources. The most widely accepted theory suggests that the overexploitation of the land and resources, combined with the rigid social structure imposed by the Saudeleur rulers, led to a decline in the population’s ability to sustain the city’s complex infrastructure and ceremonial activities, ultimately resulting in its abandonment.
What was the Saudeleur Dynasty’s religion?
The Saudeleur Dynasty’s religion was centered around a theocratic and hierarchical society that worshipped a pantheon of gods, with the chief deity being the thunder god Nan Sapwe. The religion heavily emphasized ancestor worship and the veneration of nature spirits. The rulers of the Saudeleur Dynasty were considered semi-divine beings with a direct connection to the gods, which justified their absolute rule. Religious ceremonies and rituals, often involving human and animal sacrifices, were conducted in the ceremonial center of Nan Madol.
Does anyone live on Nan Madol?
Today, Nan Madol is uninhabited and serves as an archaeological site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site is located on the eastern shore of the island of Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia. While no one lives within the ruins of Nan Madol itself, the surrounding areas are inhabited by the local Pohnpeian population. The site is considered sacred by the local community, and it attracts researchers, archaeologists, and tourists interested in its historical and cultural significance.