Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui, is a mysterious place that has preserved many mysteries and secrets. Located 3700 km off the coast of Chile, this island is famous for its impressive moai statues, beautiful beaches, and traditional island culture. In this article, we will explore some interesting facts about Easter Island.
1. The remotest island in the world
Easter Island is located in the Pacific Ocean and is the most remote inhabited island in the world. It is more than 3,700km off the coast of Chile and more than 4,200km from the island of Tahiti.
2 Easter Island was discovered by accident
Easter Island was discovered by Europeans in 1722 when the Dutch explorer Jacob Roggeven discovered it by chance during his voyage by ship. The island was originally called ‘Easter Island’ because Roggeven discovered it on Easter Day.
3. Moai statues are not the only ones on the island
Although the moai statues are the most famous symbol of Easter Island, they are not the only ancient monuments that can be found on the island. For example, there are caves on the island with drawings called ‘bird drawings’, as well as stone platforms and stone pillars called ‘ahu’.
4. the island is an archaeological treasure
Easter Island is one of the most unique and important archaeological places in the world. It contains many ancient artefacts of historical and cultural value. The island is also home to many petroglyphs that are fascinating in their beauty and mystical energy.
5. Moai were erected in honor of deceased ancestors
Moai statues were created by islanders around the 13th-16th centuries and erected on ahu (stone platforms) to honor deceased ancestors. In total, there are more than 900 moai statues on Easter Island, which can weigh up to 80 tons.
6. Moai transportation remains a mystery
One of the most mysterious aspects of Easter Island is how the islanders moved the moai statues from the quarries to their places of installation on the ahu. Considering that many statues weigh more than 10 tons and some weigh more than 80 tons, this would have been impossible without the use of mechanized means of transportation. However, archaeologists still do not know how the islanders achieved this goal.
7. The island was visited by a hundred travelers
Easter Island was visited by many famous travelers and scientists. Among them were such notables as James Cook, Thor Heyerdahl, and Katharina Kossinski. Some of these travelers have made significant contributions to the study of the island’s culture and history.
8. The island is a nature reserve
Easter Island was declared a national park in Chile in 1935 and is now a reserve that protects its nature and cultural heritage. The reserve includes not only the island but also the surrounding ocean waters, which protects the local flora and fauna.
9. The culture of the islanders has been preserved up to the present day
Easter Island is still inhabited by descendants of the Easter Islanders who continue to preserve the traditional culture and way of life of their ancestors. They speak the Rapa Nui language, continue to practice traditional fishing and farming, and so Easter Island attracts tourists from all over the world.
10. Easter Island is a popular tourist destination that attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world every year.
Perhaps this is due to the mysterious appearance of the moai and the mysteries that still surround Easter Island. Tourists can explore the island’s culture, relax on the beaches or take catamaran tours and hikes in the surrounding area.
Easter Island is a unique place with a rich history and cultural heritage. It remains a mystery to scientists and explorers from all over the world, attracting tourists with its mystery and beauty.
