• Fort Talietumu

    March 3, 2023 in Wallis and Futuna

    This is an archeological site that is a former fortified Tongan settlement called Kolo Nui. All that can be seen today are some of the basalt walls and foundations. It was originally built in the middle of the 15th century during the latter years of the Tongan marine empire. This site was their final holdout on this island.
    Not only was this a fortress, but it is believed to have been a ceremonial site. The raised platform in the center plus foundations of buildings suggest that the village had a ruler that led rituals; that people lived in houses similar to those on Tonga; and that this was an important site reflecting Tongan culture.
    The pictures show what is there today. The site is well maintained, and there is some interpretive information. Unfortunately for me, it is only in French.
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