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800
Pre-Colonial Period- Settlement of Rapa Nui
Polynesian navigators from Tahiti or other central Pacific islands discover and settle on Rapa Nui, bringing their culture and starting to build the island’s unique society. -
1200
Development of Moai Statues
The construction and erection of the Moai statues happened in this time. These statues vital to Rapa Nui’s culture and religion, depicting leaders and ancestors. -
1500
Expansion of Moai Construction and Ahu Platforms
The construction of the Moai statues and Ahu platforms continue. They each become stratified and more intricate. -
European Contact and Early Colonial Period- First European Contact
The Dutch explorer Jacob Roggeveen arrives on the island which marks the beginning of European contact with the island. He arrives on Easter Sunday (hence the name "Easter Island"). -
Spanish Expedition
Felipe González de Ahedo, Spanish explorer, visits Rapa Nui. The Spanish attempts at interaction and mapping. -
Slave Raids
Peruvian slave traders capture and forcibly remove a significant portion of the Rapa Nui population, meaning a rapid decline of Rapa Nuis population.