Lecture Notes: The Collapse of Easter Island Civilization

Overview

• Easter Island, a Chilean island in the southeastern Pacific Ocean, is famed for its giant stone heads (Moai).
• The construction of Moai may have contributed to the collapse of the civilization that built them.

Early History

• Initially a tropical paradise with vast palm forests and diverse bird species.
• Early settlers, the Rapa Nui, practiced agriculture on coastal plains.

Building of Moai

• Rapa Nui embarked on building Moai for unknown reasons.
• Moai are large stone sculptures, moved possibly using logs from deforested palm trees.

European Contact

• Discovered by Dutch explorer Jacob Roggeveen on Easter Sunday, April 5, 1722.
• Estimated 2,000-3,000 inhabitants at discovery; population declined by the mid-19th century.

Theories of Collapse

• Deforestation Theory:
  • Slash-and-burn agriculture led to deforestation.
  • Ecological disaster by over-utilizing resources.
  • Captain James Cook's visit in 1774 noted poor living conditions and lack of resources.
• Alternative Theory:
  • Proposed by Terry Hunt and Carl Lippo, suggesting rat infestation led to deforestation.
  • Rats arrived with Polynesians, multiplied, and damaged the environment.

Impact of Deforestation

• Loss of trees led to soil erosion, reducing space for crops.
• Lack of wood for canoes prevented relocation.

Cultural and Societal Reactions

• Islanders vandalized Moai possibly due to resource issues.
• Evidence of societal strife but no proof of cannibalism contributing to collapse.
• The Birdman Cult emerged, aiding cultural revival with new deities like Make Make.

European Influence

• European arrival brought diseases like syphilis and smallpox, impacting population.
• Peruvian slave raids in the 1860s further devastated the population.

Rethinking Historical Assumptions

• Assumptions of large ancient populations are questioned by modern researchers.
• Evidence suggests a smaller population capable of constructing Moai.
• Archaeological studies propose continued Moai construction up to 1750.

Conclusion

• Debate remains on the cause of the Rapa Nui civilization's decline.
• Some researchers argue there was no true collapse, but a series of changes due to environmental and external factors.