The history of Tonga is recorded since the ninth century BC, when seafarers associated with the Lapita diaspora first settled the islands which now make up the Kingdom of Tonga. [1] Along with Fiji and Samoa, the area served as a gateway into the rest of …

The early history of Tonga covers the islands' settlement and the early Lapita culture through to the rise of the Tuʻi Tonga Empire. What is known about Tonga before European contact comes from myths, stories, songs, poems, (as there was no writing system) as well as from archaeological excavations.

Tonga was first inhabited roughly 2,500 years ago by the Lapita civilization, Polynesian settlers who gradually evolved a distinct and strong ethnic identity, language, and culture as the Tongan people.

Jan 15, 2022 · Tonga was first inhabited about 3,000 years ago by Austronesian-speaking people of the Lapita culture, best known from their elaborately decorated pottery. From at least the 10th century ce Tonga was ruled by a line of sacred kings and queens, the Tu‘i Tonga.

According to oral traditions which have subsequently been recorded, the Tu'i Tonga Empire is said to have been formed around the year 950AD. The first Tu'i Tonga (‘Aho'eitu) located his capital (first capital) at the village of Toloa on the island of Tongatapu.

Jan 7, 2024 · Get a brief history of Tonga in this quick guide to the Tonga history, including the first settlements, the monarchy and rise of democracy.

Old Tonga is a preserved village that offers traditional Tongan-style fales equipped with hand carved furniture designed by the Fehoko family. The style of Old Tonga is representative of how Tonga once was, before western influences made their mark.

Kaart der Vriendelyke eilanden : behoorende tot de door het Provinciaal Utrechtsch Genootschap bekroonde Verhandeling van R.G. Bennet en J. van Wyk Rz. Old maps of Tonga on OldMapsOnline.

Jan 12, 2008 · On the water near Old Tonga, young men row a traditional Tongan canoe. Visitors to the village can view homes and structures, and also learn weaving, fishing, wood carving and canoeing. | Photo by Sarah Jane Weaver

Dec 16, 2019 · But the archaeological evidence is clear in identifying it as Tonga’s first village. Excavations here have unearthed tens of thousands of ceramic fragments, other artifacts, and large amounts of shell and small bones from former meals.