Published:
Apr 17, 2024 08:58 GMT
The first cities in the Pacific were founded much earlier than previously thought and not due to Western influence. On the contrary, the arrival of Europeans led to a decline in urbanization in the region, according to a study.
The first cities in the Pacific Ocean were founded much earlier than previously thought, according to a new study from the Australian National University.
With the help of aerial laser scanning, archaeologists have discovered the remains of an ancient city in Tonga, an island country in Oceania. About 12 kilometers from the current capital, Nuku'alofa, located on the country's main island, nearly 10,000 mounds have been detected that were once homes.
Researchers said it could be one of the first cities in the Pacific.
Scientists discovered that urbanization in the Pacific was an indigenous innovation that developed before Western influence.
“Earth structures were being built at Tongatapu around 300 AD. This is 700 years earlier than previously thought,” said study leader Phillip Parton.
“As settlements grew, new ways were devised to support that growing population. This type of configuration, what we call low-density urbanization, led to enormous social and economic changes. People interacted more in different types of work” , he explained.
According to researchers, the decline of this low-density urbanization in Tonga was due to the arrival of Europeans.
“It didn't decline because the system was flawed; it had more to do with the arrival of Europeans and the diseases they brought,” Parton said.
“I'm sure that if my colleagues decide to go ahead with it, this won't be the only example of a city located in the Pacific. I'm sure there are many waiting for us,” said the expert quoted by the Australian network. ABC.
