The Mysterious Easter Island
What is the name of Easter Island's indigenous people?
- The Easter Islanders were descendants of Polynesians who landed on the island around 1,200 A.D. and were known as the Rapa Nui.
What are the names of the great massive statues?
- They are known as Moais. These 40-foot-tall statues can be seen all across the island.
What caused the Rapa Nui civilization's demise?
- Unfortunately, the Rapa Nui people depleted all of the island's resources, resulting in overcrowding and destruction.
How did the Rapa Nui people transport such large statues?
- They rolled them on logs and sledges! This was a remarkable feat considering the size and weight of the statues.
How many Moai exist on Easter Island?
- According to the most recent count, there are 1,043 statues on the island.
What is the name of Easter Island's biggest and most active volcano?
- The volcano Rano Kao's highest peak is called Terevaka. It's located 1,663 feet above sea level and offers spectacular views of the island.
What is the name of the enigmatic script that was utilized on Easter Island?
- Rongorongo is correct. This script has yet to be decoded, making it one of the world's most intriguing writing systems.
What is Easter Island's capital?
- Hanga Roa. This is the only settlement on the island, with a population of roughly 3,000 people.
What was the name of winner of the bird-based tournament held on Easter Island in the past?
- The goal of this challenge was to find the first egg laid by a sooty tern on an offshore islet, with the champion being named Tangata manu — meaning "birdman".
Which European was the first to find Easter Island?
- Ferdinand Magellan arrived on the island in 1522 during his circumnavigation of the world.
