IB74.1.4 Easter Island

© Oxford University Press 2011

Easter Island

IB74.1.4 Easter Island

© Oxford University Press 2011

Easter Island lies 1300 miles from the nearest Pacific island and 2300 miles from the coast of Chile.

Polynesians first arrived in canoes in about 600 AD. Subtropical forests grew on the volcanic slopes, including the world’s largest palm trees. The islanders grew crops and raised chickens.

By 1400 AD the population had grown to about 30000 people.

IB74.1.4 Easter Island

© Oxford University Press 2011

This is an aerial view of Easter Island taken in 2001.

Notice the lack of trees.

IB74.1.4 Easter Island

© Oxford University Press 2011

Pitcairn Island is another volcanic island at a similar latitude to Easter Island.

Pitcairn Island still has trees-it shows what Easter Island may have been like.

IB74.1.4 Easter Island

© Oxford University Press 2011

When Dutch explorers reached the Easter Island on Easter day 1722, they found a treeless landscape.

Only a few people remained on the Island, living in caves. All around the island were giant stone statues, many of which had toppled over and broken.

What had gone wrong on Easter Island?

IB74.1.4 Easter Island

© Oxford University Press 2011

At first, Easter Island provided ideal conditions for settlers, with plenty of forests, fresh water and fertile soils.

But, as the population grew, more forests were cleared for houses and fuel. Mature trees were felled more quickly than young trees could grow. Eventually the very last trees were cut down.

Soil nutrients were removed as crops were harvested. Rain washed away more nutrients from the soil. Eventually the soil was not fertile enough to feed the population.

Because Easter Island is so isolated, there was nowhere to go for help, and the population crashed.