Ancient City of Nan Madol | Lost Cities With Albert Lin

TL;DR

New technology is being used to explore the ancient city of Nan Madol, uncovering its size, construction methods, and mysterious legends.

Transcript

[dramatic music playing] MALE SPEAKER: This is it, Albert. Welcome to the jungle. We are on sacred grounds right now. You're just beginning to see part of the structures. ALBERT LIN: I've never seen anything like this. MALE SPEAKER: Welcome to Nan Madol. ALBERT LIN: (VOICEOVER) Only a tiny fragment of the legendary Soudelor city can still be seen. ... Read More

Key Insights

• 📏 Nan Madol was a hierarchical society ruled by a single individual, similar to a dictator.
• 😒 The use of drones and LIDAR technology has been instrumental in mapping the full extent of Nan Madol.
• 😒 Nan Madol's construction methods still remain a mystery, with legends suggesting the use of magic.

Questions & Answers

Q: How was Nan Madol constructed?

The exact method of construction is unclear, with legends suggesting that magic was used to move the massive stones. The physics behind lifting the stones to such heights remains a mystery.

Q: Why is there limited knowledge about the people who built Nan Madol?

There is no written system to express ideas, and knowledge about the city's construction and history has been passed down through oral tradition. The belief that sharing the entire story would lead to death has kept information fragmented.

Q: What is the significance of the mangroves in Nan Madol?

The mangroves have grown over the abandoned city over time. The use of LIDAR technology allows researchers to digitally remove the mangroves and gain a clearer understanding of the city's layout.

Q: How big is Nan Madol?

Nan Madol covers an area of almost half a square mile, which is twice the size of Vatican City. It consists of over 90 man-made structures.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Nan Madol is an ancient city in Micronesia, constructed from pillars of basalt rock, and was the ceremonial center for the island's ancient rulers.

• The city is thought to have been built by the elite ruling class with the assistance of the entire island population.

• New technology, including drones and LIDAR, is being used to map the full extent of Nan Madol and reveal its hidden structures.