Caves of Nanumanga, Underwater caves off Nanumanga, Tuvalu.
The Caves of Nanumanga are underwater chambers with an entrance located between 37 and 46 meters below the ocean surface, positioned along a coral cliff wall. They contain spaces where ancient people left evidence of their activities and daily life.
Two scuba divers discovered the caves in 1986 after hearing local stories about a large underwater structure. This finding revealed that Pacific Islands were inhabited much earlier than scholars had previously believed.
The blackened walls and charred coral fragments found inside show that people lived here before sea levels rose around 8000 years ago. These marks tell us that inhabitants used fire and made their homes in this underwater location.
Visiting requires advanced diving certification and special equipment because of the significant depth and underwater navigation challenges. It is essential to work with experienced guides who know the caves and their conditions well.
The caves hold archaeological proof that people lived here thousands of years before scholars thought Pacific Islands were first settled. This evidence changes what we know about when humans first spread across this region of the world.
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