German-Palauan Cooperation in Archaeology
The Monumental Earthworks of Babeldaob and the Challenges of Climate Change
The monumental earthworks of Palau are one of the most awe-inspiring expressions of human ingenuity in all of Oceania. These terraced and shaped hills still dominate the landscape of the island of Babeldaob today.
A large and politically well-organized population must have been involved in the construction and maintenance of the sites that have withstood the challenges of harsh tropical climate for centuries or even millennia.
The Babeldaob earthworks are testament to social complexity, successful adaptation, and in-depth knowledge of the landscape. The genesis, function, chronology, and social significance of these impressive archaeological sites have fascinated researchers for over 100 years.
The project presented here was aimed at shedding further light onto these questions. Using state-of-the-art technology, German and Palauan experts from many different fields investigated sites all across Babeldaob. The results of four field campaigns with extensive geo-archaeological research and archaeological excavations are presented here.
Cultural preservation and management of the unique cultural heritage of Palau are at the center of this exhibit. We invite you to take a closer look.
