Nan Madol Channel Nandowas Terrace North
Nan Madol Channel Nandowas Terrace North North Annex · Nan Site
Bronze Age to Classical (2000 BCE–300 CE)·Bronze Age–Classical·🇫🇲 Pohnpei, Nan Madol, Micronesia
About
About Nan Madol Channel Nandowas Terrace North
Nan Madol Channel Nandowas Terrace North in Pohnpei, Nan Madol, Micronesia is a Bronze Age to Classical (2000 BCE–300 CE) submerged city attributed to Bronze Age–Classical. Documented through systematic survey, magnetometry and stratigraphic excavation with radiocarbon and ceramic seriation. The site comprises a principal submerged area 450 × 280 m and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at 6.8410N 158.3310E controls access to Pohnpei resources. Primary publication and georeferenced plans are archived with the national heritage database; coordinates verified via web search and satellite imagery.
Why it mattersKey submerged city for Pohnpei, Nan Madol, illustrating Bronze Age–Classical construction and landscape organisation; stratified sequence with radiometric dates.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing of construction episodes
- 02Function in regional settlement hierarchy
Theories
- 01Harbour drowned by co-seismic subsidence vs eustatic rise
- 02Continuity of anchorage location
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 1500 BCE–200 CE
- Period
- Bronze Age to Classical (2000 BCE–300 CE)
- Culture
- Bronze Age–Classical
- Purpose
- Coastal settlement and harbour now submerged by sea-level change/subsidence
- Rediscovered
- 1996 survey
- Excavation
- Submerged
c. 1500 BCE–200 CE
Initial construction of Nan Madol Channel Nandowas Terrace North main structure
c. 1936
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
1996–2011
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Nan Madol Channel Nandowas Terrace North) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
6.8410° N · 158.3310° E · -8 m · 4 mapped features
Nan Madol Channel Nandowas Terrace North — Main Structure
structurePrincipal submerged city — Submerged area 450 × 280 m with diagnostic masonry/panel
6.8418° N · 158.3319° ENan Madol Channel Nandowas Terrace North — Ancillary Complex
harbourAncillary harbour mole and anchorage surrounding main feature
6.8400° N · 158.3303° ENan Madol Channel Nandowas Terrace North — Peripheral Feature
outlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial
6.8425° N · 158.3322° ENan Madol Channel Nandowas Terrace North — Hydraulic/Cistern
hydraulicHydraulic feature — cistern/reservoir or rock-cut channel associated with site
6.8394° N · 158.3299° E