213. Nan Madol. Pohnpei, Micronesia. Saudeleur Dynasty. c. 700–1600 C.E. Basalt boulders and prismatic columns.

• Function
  • Ancient city that acted as the capital of the Saudeleur Dynasty of Micronesia
• Form
  • 92 small artificial islands connected by canals, about 170 in total
  • seawalls act as a breakwaters; 15 feet high & 35 feet thick
  • curved outer walls point upward at the edges giving the complex a symbolic boat-like appearance
• Content
  • Built out into the water on a lagoon; similar to Venice, Italy
  • Canals were flushed clean with the tides
  • islands were arranged SW to NE to take advantage of the trade winds
  • City was built to separate the upper class from the lower class
  • King arranged for the upper class to live close to him, to keep an eye on them.