Scientists are going to rewrite the history of Easter Island civilization.
Easter Island is famous for two things. First, with its giant stone sculptures. And secondly, by its didactic history of an isolated civilization that destroyed itself through the reckless misuse of natural resources. However, a new analysis of the archaeological finds of this civilization may allow scientists to rewrite the story, portraying the people of the Rapa Nui civilization in a more positive light.
When Europeans first landed on Easter Island in the 18th century, they found a rather desolate unsightly landscape. There were no people on the island, but there were huge terrifying stone statues in the form of human heads. Most of the trees on the island have been cut down, most likely for heating and cooking. While exploring this island, scientists have come to the conclusion that it was once prosperous with an abundance of greenery and various natural resources.
Canoes were also built from trees on the island for fishing and other seafood. This helped the islanders live longer, as the soil on the island could eventually become depleted and infertile. Using the gifts of the ocean was a second chance for the inhabitants of the island.
To gain a better understanding of what the people of Easter Island ate, a team from Binghamton University analyzed the remains of people, animals and plants on the island that date back to 1400 AD. Analysis of the carbon and nitrogen isotopes of collagen in bones can reveal the diet of ancient people.
The results showed that approximately half of the proteins that the Rapa Nui people consumed came from a marine source, meaning they were seafood.
“We found that the islanders were not only recklessly using the Earth's resources, but also enriching the soil with fertilizers for better harvests. In addition, we found out that seafood was used in food by the islanders more actively and much longer than we previously thought. Soil analysis showed that the tribe planted crops.
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Based on the new analysis of the excavations, scientists believe that the previously described history of Easter Island should be rewritten due to the fact that new details of this civilization are being discovered. Scientists are of the opinion that ancient people were not as carefree and careless as previously thought. They tried to conserve the available resources, and could perish as a result of some natural disaster.