Settlement and chiefdom formation in Samoa (c. 500 BCE–1700 CE)

1. Lapita settlement established at Mulifanua, Upolu

   Jan 1, 930 BCELabels: Mulifanua, Lapita pottery

   • Radiocarbon
   • Samoan Studies

2. Polynesian Plainware tradition spreads after Lapita

   Jan 1, 800 BCELabels: Polynesian Plainware, Samoa

   • To aga Study
   • NPS To aga

3. Early occupation begins at the To’aga site, Ofu

   Jan 1, 785 BCELabels: To'aga, Ofu

   • To aga Study
   • NPS To aga

4. Pottery production ends in Samoa (Plainware cessation)

   Jan 1, 1Labels: Polynesian Plainware, Samoa

   • Lapita Culture
   • To aga Study

5. Settlement expands and diversifies after pottery ends

   Jan 1, 200Labels: To'aga, Samoa

   • NPS To aga
   • To aga Study

6. Monumental Pulemelei mound construction begins on Savai‘i

   Jan 1, 1100Labels: Pulemelei mound, Savai'i

   • Smithsonian
   • Pulemelei

7. Regional chiefdoms strengthen through monument building

   Jan 1, 1200Labels: Monumental sites, Chiefdoms

   • Smithsonian
   • Pulemelei

8. Tongan maritime influence peaks across West Polynesia

   Jan 1, 1200Labels: Tu i, Tonga-Samoa links

   • Tu i Tonga
   • WHC Map

9. Large inland and upland settlements appear on Tutuila

   Jan 1, 1300Labels: Old Vatia, Tutuila

   • Old Vatia
   • NPS To aga

10. Pulemelei complex remains active into late pre-contact era

    Jan 1, 1500Labels: Pulemelei complex, Savai'i

    • Smithsonian
    • Pulemelei

11. Pre-European chiefdom structures persist into early contact era

    Jan 1, 1700Labels: Matai system, Chiefdoms

    • Fa amatai
    • Smithsonian

12. Pulemelei and some inland centers fall out of use

    Jan 1, 1750Labels: Pulemelei, Old Vatia

    • Pulemelei
    • Old Vatia