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Micronesia, Federated States of

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Nan Madol is an archeological site on Temwen Island in the present-day Madolenihmw district of Pohnpei state, in the Federated States of Micronesia. It was the ceremonial and political seat of the Saudeleur Dynasty, which ruled Pohnpei from about 1100 to 1628. This view of Nan Madol is from the lagoon.
In Micronesia, the city of Nan Madol's carved basalt stones are placed on top of each other in a crisscross pattern to form the walls of 130 buildings. The heaviest of the basalt pillars weigh about 45,000 kg (100,000 lbs) each.
Micronesia's Nan Madol was built so that the nobility were isolated from the general population. At its peak, the "city" may have been home to a thousand people, the majority of whom were commoners serving the nobility.
The Nan Madol ruins are on a coral reef in a lagoon on the tiny island of Temwen, next to the eastern shore of the island of Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia. Carved basalt stones were carefully placed on top of each other in a crisscross pattern to form the walls of the 130 buildings. The heaviest of the basalt pillars weigh 45,000 kg (100,000 lbs) each.
This close-up of one of the most prominent stacked-log towers in Nan Madol, Micronesia, gives an idea of the crisscross-stacking process that was used in building construction. Image courtesy of NOAA.
Part of the seawall enclosing Nan Madol on Temwen Island in the present day Madolenihmw district of Pohnpei state, in the Federated States of Micronesia. The ruins were built on 92 artificial islets, stretching out 1.3 km (0.8 mi) in length and 0.6 km (0.4 mi) in width. Photo courtesy of NOAA.
One of the larger structures in Nan Madol, Micronesia, displays a side "window." Image courtesy of NOAA.
An aerial view of Keprohi Waterfall on the island of Pohnpei in Micronesia. Because of high volcanic topography and heavy rainfall, there are a number of scenic waterfalls on the island. Image courtesy of the US Air Force/ Tech. Sgt. Tony Tolley.
A view of Paipalap Peak (Sokehs Rock) overlooking Pohnpei harbor in Micronesia. The rock, rising over 186 m (610 ft), is a basalt volcanic plug. This prominent feature is sometimes referred to as the Diamond Head of Micronesia, since it resembles Diamond Head peak on Oahu in the Hawaiian Islands.
A prominent rock feature called the Ray of Light Spire, as seen from the top of Sokehs Rock on the island of Pohnpei in Micronesia. Photo courtesy of NOAA / Lt. Cmdr. Matthew Wingate.
Lava cliffs on Pohnpei. The island, the most populous in the Federated States of Micronesia, is home to the megaliths and ruined city of Nan Madol. Photo courtesy of NOAA / James P. McVey.
The remains of a Japanese anti-aircraft gun on Sohkes Mountain Ridge, overlooking the harbor on Pohnpei Island in Micronesia. With an excellent harbor and two airfields, Pohnpei was heavily defended by the Japanese during World War II. Photo courtesy of NOAA / Lieutenant Commander Matthew Wingate.
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