Samoa has a rich history and with it many interesting archaeology sites. In times gone by, Samoa was considered the birth place of Polynesia. Tongans ruled the islands from AD950, as they did with much of Polynesia, but were driven out about AD1250. During these times, archaeological sites were created, none more impressive than the huge stone pyramid at Pulemelei on the south coast of Savaii, the largest stone monument in all Polynesia. Legendary sites can be found in other parts of Savaii, notably in the remote western end of the island, but the most impressive and significant archaeological sites are in American Samoa, on Tutuila Island and in particular on the outer Manu'a Group.
By the time the Europeans arrived in the late 18th century, Samoa had developed its own unique culture, chiefly titles and oral traditions. Christianity arrived with John Williams of the London Christianity Society in 1830 and he made base on the east coast of Savai'i and soon had many converts.
In the early days of global commercialisation, Germany, Britain and USA jostled for power and in 1900, the German flag was raised over Samoa whilst USA gained control over American Samoa. Germany's adoption lasted only until 1914 when during the early days of World War 1 the New Zealand Expeditionary Force gained control over the island. New Zealand administered the island until 1960 when a constitution was laid down and Samoa became independent, one of the first Pacific Islands to do so.
Readers may also be interested in the following destinations:
Cook Islands History
Fiji History
Tonga History
Hawaii History
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