The last part of the earth to be inhabited by man was the great triangle of islands in the Pacific Ocean,
still known as Polynesia. Located in the eastern part of the Pacific Ocean, this area has been the subject of
much research from persons interested in the origins and culture of the Polynesian people. Many theories have been
put forward regarding the starting point of the migration of the people: it could come from Asia ... of America, or
even a “lost continent”. Similarly, the question of whether the move was deliberate or accidental was the subject of
much debate.*
Recent studies in archeology and linguistics show that the Polynesian ancestors were Austronesian
speaking navigators, probably from South East Asia. They moved through the north coast of Papua New Guinea 4000-5000
years ago, and then quickly sailed east, arriving in Fiji and Tonga around 1000 before Christ, and Samoa around 1000 B.C.
At this time, travel stopped for a period of 1000 years, until the Marquesas Islands are reached between year 0 and 300.
With the Marquesas as the first center of dispersion, the Hawaiian Islands, the Society Islands and Easter Island were
settled around 850 and New Zealand around year 1000.
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