MICRONESIA MILESTONES
Guampedia's Micronesia and World Milestones
Micronesia Milestones Lesson Plan: Connecting Personal History to the Histories of Others here.
A Journey through 4,000 Years
2500 BC
The Great Sphinx of Giza, literally Father of Dread, is a limestone statue of a reclining sphinx, a mythical creature. Facing directly from West to East, it is on the west bank of the Nile in Giza, Egypt. It is the oldest known monumental sculpture in Egypt. Image information: Great Sphinx of Giza.
2000 - 1500 BC
The Marianas are home to one of the oldest Pacific Island cultures. The Marianas were settled by seafaring peoples from Island Southeast Asia more than 3,500 years ago. It is uncertain whether the islands were settled in waves of migration or all at once, though it is known that the Marianas were continuously occupied by people who became known as CHamorus/Chamorros. Image information: Ladrones courtesy of the Guam Public Library System.
1240 BC
The Ten Commandments, also known as Aseret HaDibrot (“Ten Sayings” in Hebrew) or Decalogue, are the first ten of the 613 commandments given by God to the Jewish people. They form the foundation of Jewish ethics, as well as civil and religious law. These commandments are mentioned twice in the Torah—once in Exodus and again in Deuteronomy. Image information: Moses Smashing the Tablets of the Law.
1500 BC
The Palauan archipelago was settled in a series of migrations originating from Island Southeast Asia around 1100 BC. Palau's geographic location made it an easy stepping stone into the Pacific from Asia. Image information: Village on the Palau Islands.
1200 - 1000 BC
The first settlers in Yap were ancient peoples from the Malay Peninsula, the Indonesian archipelago, New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. Some of the people of Yap's neighboring islands are descendants of Polynesian settlers and as such, have significant ethnic dissimilarities from the people of the Yap main islands. Image information: Port of Yap.
604 BC
Lao-tzu, founder of Taoism, was born in 604 BC. Lao-Tzu, also Laozi, (literally "Old Master") was a Chinese philosopher and writer. He was a scholar, the Keeper of the Archives for the royal court, and is the reputed author of the Tao Te Ching, the foundation of philosophical Taoism. A semi-legendary figure and contemporary of Confucius, Lao-tzu is a deity in religious Taoism and traditional Chinese religions. Image information: Confucius.
563 BC
Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, was born in what is modern day Nepal. Gautama is the primary figure in Buddhism. He is believed by Buddhists to be an enlightened teacher that attained full Buddhahood. Image information: Birth of Buddha at Lumbini.
4 BC
Jesus of Nazareth, the founder of Christianity, was born around 4 BC. Jesus is a religious leader revered in Christianity, one of the world’s major religions. He is regarded by most Christians as the incarnation of God. Image information: Adoration of the Shepherds.
AD 372
The Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheater, opened to the public around AD 80. The massive stone amphitheater was commissioned by Emperor Vespasian of the Flavian dynasty as a gift to the Roman people. Vespasian’s son Titus opened the Colosseum with 100 days of games, including gladiatorial combats and wild animal fights. Image information: History of Rome and the Popes in the Middle Ages.
AD 500
Kiribati was first inhabited by Micronesian people about AD 500. Later, invasions by Samoans and Tongans introduced Polynesian elements into the culture and invasions by Fijians introduced Melanesian elements too. Image information: Gilbertese Warriors of Tabiteuea.
AD 500
Ancient people settle Chuuk, Pohnpei, Kosrae from Island Southeast Asia, Melanesia and West Polynesia in different waves of migration. These islands were inhabited for at least 1,000 years before they were visited by European explorers. Image information: Carolinian Navigation, 1836. Image information: Grand Archipelago of the Carolines courtesy of the Micronesian Area Research Center (MARC).
AD 570
Muhammad was born at Mecca, Arabia (now in Saudi Arabia). He is the founder of Islam and the proclaimer of the Qurʾān. According to Islamic doctrine, he was a prophet and God’s messenger, sent to present and confirm the teachings preached previously by Adam, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and other prophets. Image information: Birth of Prophet Muhammad.
AD 750
Chichen Itza, a large pre-Columbian city, was built by the Maya people around AD 750. The archaeological site is located in Tinúm Municipality, Yucatán State, Mexico. Image information: Chichen Itza.
AD 1000
The oldest Marianas redware pottery was small thin walled bowls sometimes decorated with impressively fine designs. Over the years, though, pottery styles changed. Pottery became coarser, thicker and larger. By AD 1000 CHamorus/Chamorros were making large bowls with thickened rims, many with combing marks. Image information: Image of AD 500 - AD 1000 pottery courtesy of Dr. Mike Carson.
AD 1000
More than 1,500 years after the Marianas were first settled CHamorus/Chamorros developed latte, comprised of a stone pillar and a stone capstone. Latte were erected in two parallel rows of six to ten pillars and used as building foundations. Image information: Latte Village detail from the Guam Museum.
AD 1000
The original settlement of Hawai’i was by Polynesians who migrated northwest from the Marquesas Islands, followed by a second wave of people that sailed from Tahiti during the 9th or 10th century. Image information: The Temple of the King at Tiritatéa Bay.
AD 1000
Nauru is settled by ancient people from both Micronesia and Polynesia. There are 12 traditional clans or tribes which are represented in the 12-pointed star in the nation’s flag. Nauruan society, like other Micronesian cultures, traces descent on the matrilineal, or female, line. Image information: Scene at Arenibek, Nauru.
AD 1200
Leluh in Kosrae and Nan Madol in Pohnpei are built. These ancient settlements were governmental centers and home to kings and high chiefs. Image information: Village in Kosrae courtesy of the Micronesian Area Research Center (MARC).
AD 1295
Marco Polo, a Venetian merchant, journeyed across Asia at the height of the Mongol Empire. Marco Polo remained abroad for 24 years. Though not the first European to explore China he became famous for his travels thanks to a popular book he co-authored while languishing in a Genoese prison. Image information: Mosaic of Marco Polo.
AD 1300
Early historic accounts about the Marianas say rice was produced in large quantities in pre-Spanish times. It was used as a commodity for trade between islands and later, with the Europeans to obtain metal and other goods. The CHamorus/Chamorros were the only Pacific Island people known to have cultivated rice dating back to pre-contact times. Image information: Altered Island of Guam: Agricultural Work courtesy of the Guam Public Library System.
1487
The Aztec Empire, or the Triple Alliance, began as an alliance of three Nahua altepetl city-states: Mexico-Tenochtitlan, Texcoco, and Tlacopan. It reaches its peak under the rule of Ahuitzotl. Image information: Auitzotl, the Eighth Aztec King.
1492
The Ming emperor orders rebuilding of the Great Wall as protection against northern invaders. Building the Great Wall began when fortifications, built by various states from 771 BC on, were connected by the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, to protect against incursions by nomads from Inner Asia. Image information: Great Wall of the Ming Dynasty.
1493
Christopher Columbus, an Italian explorer and navigator, completes four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean under the auspices of the Catholic Monarchs of Spain. Columbus first left Spain in August 1492 with three ships, making landfall in the Bahamas. Image information: Columbus’ Vessels from the Micronesian Area Research Center (MARC).
1494
The Treaty of Tordesillas is signed by Pope Alexander VI, dividing the world between Spain and Portugal. The Mariana Islands are placed on the Spanish side. Image information: Courtesy of Dr. Carlos Madrid.
1521
The Aztec empire flourished between 1345 and 1521, dominating ancient Mesoamerica. But Hernan Cortés, with his formidable firearms and thirst for treasure, brought devastating destruction and disease, along with willing local allies. Image information: Storming of the Teocalli by Cortez and His Troops.
1521
The first European encounter for CHamorus/Chamorros in the Marianas was with Spain's Ferdinand Magellan and his crew aboard three ships attempting to circumnavigate the world. Image information: First Encounter courtesy of the Guam Museum.
1529
Spanish explorer Álvaro de Saavedra came across the Marshall Islands on an expedition to find new lands in the Pacific and to bring back spice plants to Europe. He sailed from Mexico to the Philippines, making him the first European navigator to cross the Pacific Ocean from the Americas. Image information: Canoe, Marshall Islands.
1529
This peace treaty did not modify the line of demarcation established by the Treaty of Tordesillas. However, Portugal gained control of all lands and seas west of the line, including all of Asia and its neighboring islands so far “discovered,” leaving Spain with most of the Pacific. Image information: Portrait of Charles V.
1545-1563
The Catholic Church's Council of Trent, prompted by the Protestant Reformation, issued condemnations of what it defined to be heresies committed by Protestants. The Council issued key statements and clarifications of the Church's doctrine and teachings, including scripture, sacred tradition, original sin, the sacraments, Mass and the veneration of saints. Image information: Council of Trent.
1565
Miguel López de Legazpi, a colonial official in Mexico, Pacific explorer and conquistador, led the 1565 expedition that visited Guam on its westward voyage from Mexico to Cebu in the Philippines. Legazpi claimed Guam for Spain, and was later granted possession of Guam and Rota by the Spanish King Philip II. Image information: Miguel López de Legazpi.
1568
Oda Nobunaga, a powerful feudal lord of Japan in the late 16th century, attempts to unify Japan during the late Sengoku period (Age of the Warring States), and gains control over most of Honshu. Nobunaga is regarded as one of three unifiers of Japan. Image information: Portrait of Oda Nobunaga.
1568 - 1815
The Manila Galleon (“Nao de China” or “Nao de Acapulco”) brings porcelain, silk, ivory, spices, and myriad other exotic goods from China to Mexico via Manila in exchange for New World silver. The Galleons stopped in the Marianas on the return trip to Manila, once or twice a year. Image information: Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragosa courtesy of the Guam Museum.
1582
Francis Drake, an English sea captain, privateer, slave trader, naval officer and explorer, was knighted for plundering Spanish ships and towns. He was the second explorer to circumnavigate the world in a single expedition, and was the first to complete the voyage as captain. Image information: Sir Francis Drake.
1588
The Spanish Armada, a fleet of 130 ships, tries to overthrow England and the establishment of Protestantism in 1588. The attack was Spain's attempt to stop English interference in the Spanish Netherlands and the harm caused to Spanish interests by English and Dutch privateering. The armada was defeated, however, losing one third of the ships. Image information: English Ships and the Spanish Armada, August 1588.
1602
Franciscan lay brother Fray Juan Pobre de Zamora deserts a ship off the shores of Rota on his way to Manila. Although he was only in the Mariana Islands for seven months, he provided an invaluable historical contribution through descriptive written accounts of the lives, customs, and culture of CHamorus in the early 17th century. Image information: House Chores, 1824 of the Guam Public Library System.
1644
The Qing dynasty is established, becoming the last imperial dynasty of China. It ruled China until 1912, when it was succeeded by the Republic of China. It lasted for almost three centuries and formed the territorial base for modern China. It was the fourth largest empire in world history. Image information: Portrait of Hong Taiji.
1668
Padre Diego Luis de San Vitores, a Jesuit, brought Christianity to the Marianas in 1668. He was killed on Guam just a little less than four years after his arrival, a death he welcomed because he would be considered a martyr in his efforts to spread Christianity. Image information: San Vitores courtesy of the Guam Public Library System.
1669
The Colegio de San Juan de Letrán, a boy’s school or seminary, is established in 1669 in Hagåtña by Father Diego Luis de San Vitores, the Jesuit priest who started the first Catholic mission in the Marianas. It was still in existence in 1899 when the Americans claimed the island. Image information: Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Hagåtña, 1819, courtesy of the Guam Public Library System.
1671
Hurao, a Hagåtña CHamori (high caste) who, with the backing of the village makanas (spiritual leaders), was key in instigating a major battle. He rallied 2,000 CHamoru/Chamorro warriors to take up arms. This battle was the first mass movement by Chamorros against the Spanish. Image information: Rendering of Hurao by Jose "Malet" Garrido.
1672
Matå’pang from Tomhom (Tumon) killed Father Diego Luís de San Vitores, the Spanish priest who brought Christianity to the Marianas. At first a Christian convert, Matå’pang rejected Christianity because he saw that it was being used as a tool to control his people and obliterate CHamoru/Chamorro traditions and beliefs. Image information: San Vitores Shrine statue, photo by Victor Consaga.
1676
Agualin (or “Aguarin”) was a CHamoru/Chamorro chief who led several revolts against the Spanish. He was from Hagåtña, but traveled from village to village to inspire other Chamorros to fight Spanish colonialism and Catholicism. Image information: Rendering of Agualin by Jose "Malet" Garrido.
1678
Chief Metacom, of the Wampanoag people, stood up to the British colonists in America. Metacom used his tribal alliances to coordinate efforts to push European colonists out of New England. Conflicts over land use, diminished game as a consequence of expanding European settlement, and other tensions, were behind their dissatisfaction. Image information: Metacom from the World History Encyclopedia.
1680
Spanish Captain Antonio Saravia was appointed the first official Military Head Commander (later governor) of Guam upon the authority of King Charles II of Spain. One of Saravia’s first acts was to persuade all the CHamoru/Chamorro leaders to take and sign an oath of allegiance to Spain. Image information: Spanish Governor’s Palace, Umatac (Humåtak), courtesy of the Micronesian Area Research Center (MARC).
1684
Hineti, a clan leader from Sinajana, chose to protect the Spanish in hopes of improving his personal status and gain power. Hineti defended the Spanish against Chamorro revolts, and is most known for curbing a Chamorro uprising in Hagåtña in 1684. Image information: Maga’lahi Hineti by Raph Unpingco.
1668
Spanish explorer Francisco Lazcano named Chuuk, Kosrae, Palau, Pohnpei, and Yap “Islas de Carolinas” after King Carlos II of Spain. For about 300 years after this, explorers passed by having little contact with islanders. Image information: Caroline Islands courtesy of Dr. Don Rubinstein.
1690
Santa Marian Kamalen statue is found in Merizo after the galleon Nuestra Señora del Pilar shipwrecked off Cocos Island. Image information: Santa Marian Kamalen courtesy of the Department of Chamorro Affairs.
1695
Priests working to convert Chamorros to Christianity are met with resistance. Chamorros accept some but not all of their teachings. Once Padre San Vitores is killed, soldiers are brought to subdue the uprising. Many are killed. A last battle a Aguijan ends in defeat and the Spanish gain control over the Marianas. Image information: Humåtak Church courtesy of the Micronesian Area Research Center (MARC).