Nan Madol Guiding Questions

• What does the word MEGALITHIC mean?

• What dynasty once used Nan Madol as a political and ceremonial center?

• Approximately how many artificial islets make up the Nan Madol complex?

• Nan Madol specialist Mark McCoy has used chemistry to link some of the stones used to construct the Nan Madol complex to their original source. Where did the original builders get some of the stones?

• How far (mileage) did the creators of Nan Madol have to transport the basalt columns?

• Upon what foundation are the artificial islets of Nan Madol built?

• The builders of Nan Madol used mortar / concrete to hold their stone columns in place. TRUE OR FALSE?

• Know the three major oral history narratives discussed in the article regarding the creation and / or form of Nan Madol.

• What was the sector of the city called that served as the administrative center?

• What was the sector of the city called that served as its religious and mortuary area?

• Did the builders of Nan Madol shape the prismatic columns with chisels? How did the columns get that shape?

• What does the name Nan Madol mean?

• What feature of Nan Madol is this name’s meaning referring to?