Physicists Have Worked Out How Easter Island's Famous Moai "Walked" | IFLScience
Researchers have confirmed that the famous Moai statues of Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island, could have been moved upright using a unique walking method. For decades, historians and archaeologists debated how these massive stone figures, some weighing up to 12 tons, were transported across the island without modern machinery. Experiments combining physics simulations and hands-on tests revealed that by carefully rocking and pivoting the statues from side to side, small groups of people could “walk” the Moai forward. This approach requires ropes and precise coordination but drastically reduces the manpower and effort previously assumed necessary. The findings provide compelling evidence that the island’s ancient inhabitants possessed sophisticated engineering knowledge and ingenuity. Beyond settling a long-standing archaeological question, this discovery sheds light on the resourcefulness and cultural practices of Rapa Nui’s society, inspiring renewed interest in ancient human innovation.
The Key points
- Moai statues could “walk” using side-to-side rocking.
- Some statues weigh up to 12 tons.
- Rope techniques helped control movement.
- Small groups could move them efficiently.
- Simulations confirmed physics feasibility.
- Experimentation matched historical island conditions.
- Reduces previously assumed labor requirements.
- Reveals advanced knowledge of ancient engineers.
- Settles long-standing archaeological debate.
- Highlights Rapa Nui cultural ingenuity and innovation.
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