Easter Island and one theory of the Reonui

From sub. of HOME

Here's one theory of the story
of the Rapanui,

the inhabitants of Easter Island,

that could perhaps
give us pause for thought.

Living on the most isolated island
in the world,

the Rapanui exploited their resources
until there was nothing left.

Their civilization did not survive.

On these lands stood
the highest palm trees in the world.

They have disappeared.

The Rapanui
chopped them all down for lumber.

They then faced
widespread soil erosion.

The Rapanui could no longer go fishing.
There were no trees to build canoes.

Yet the Rapanui formed one of the most
brilliant civilizations in the Pacific.

Innovative farmers, sculptors,
exceptional navigators,

they were caught in the vise of
overpopulation and dwindling resources.

They experienced social unrest,
revolts and famine.

Many did not survive the cataclysm.

The real mystery of Easter Island is not
how its strange statues got there,

we know now.

It is why the Rapanui
didn't react in time.

It's only one of a number of theories,
but it has particular relevance today.