Easter Island History and Culture

Easter Island, located in the Pacific Ocean, is famous for its giant Moai statues. Discovered by Jacob Roggeveen in 1722, the island's statues have intrigued archaeologists for centuries. The Moai were carved from volcanic ash stone and transported using innovative techniques. The Rapa Nui people, who once thrived on the island, faced ecological collapse due to deforestation, leading to their decline. Today, Easter Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with ongoing debates about the statues' purpose.

Who was the European explorer that discovered Easter Island in 1722?

• Ferdinand Magellan

• Jacob Roggeveen

• James Cook

• Christopher Columbus

What is the local name for Easter Island?

• Hawaii

• Rapa Nui

• Galapagos

• Tahiti

What surprising discovery was made about the Moai statues during an excavation in 2012?

• They were built by aliens

• They have bodies buried underground

• They were made of gold

• They are made of wood

What material were the Moai statues primarily made from?

• Marble

• Granite

• Limestone

• Volcanic ash stone

How did researchers demonstrate the movement of the Moai statues?

• By floating them on water

• By making them 'walk' using ropes

• By rolling them on logs

• By using cranes

What was the primary reason for deforestation on Easter Island?

• To use wood for fuel

• To create space for housing

• To clear land for agriculture

• To build ships

What evidence suggests that a civil war broke out on Easter Island?

• Written records

• Oral traditions

• Skeletons with injuries

• Ancient paintings

What happened to the population of Easter Island as a result of environmental changes?

• It diminished gradually

• It remained stable

• It doubled

• It increased significantly

What is the current status of Easter Island?

• A bustling city

• A military base

• An uninhabited island

• A UNESCO World Heritage site

What is still debated about the Moai statues?

• Their exact age

• Their purpose

• Their color

• Their height