Island Melanesian societies
Island Melanesian societies appears on the timeline as a people or culture of New Guinea and Melanesia (Oceania) from c. 500 BCE to the present, a span of 2,524 years. Its people spoke Austronesian languages (Malay, Javanese, Cham, Tagalog, Malagasy, Polynesian, Maori).
After Lapita, the peoples of the Solomons, Vanuatu and New Caledonia developed hundreds of local languages and societies led by big men and chiefs, linked by exchange networks of shell valuables and pigs.
See Island Melanesian societies on the interactive timeline
Facts
- Dates
- c. 500 BCE to the present
- Duration
- 2,524 years
- Type
- People or culture
- Region
- New Guinea and Melanesia, Oceania
- Language family
- Austronesian
Came from
Events in Oceania during its time
- Polynesians settle East Polynesia
- Building of Nan Madol
- Polynesians reach New Zealand
- Duyfken lands in Australia
- Tasman reaches New Zealand
- Cook reaches Hawaii
- First Fleet lands at Sydney Cove
- Treaty of Waitangi
Neighbours in Oceania
- Commonwealth of Australia
- Tu'i Tonga Empire
- Saudeleur dynasty
- New Zealand
- Colony of New South Wales
- Kingdom of Hawaii
- Colony of New Zealand
- Papua New Guinea
- German New Guinea
- Spanish Marianas
Elsewhere in the world at the same time
- Republic of Venice
- Byzantine Empire
- Byzantine Empire
- Swahili city-states
- Ghana Empire (Wagadu)
- Holy Roman Empire
- Kingdom of Aksum
- Srivijaya
- Ethiopian Empire (Solomonic dynasty)
- Moche (Mochica)
Questions
When did Island Melanesian societies exist?
c. 500 BCE to the present, about 2,524 years. These dates are approximate, because the evidence for its beginning or end is uncertain.
Where was Island Melanesian societies?
New Guinea and Melanesia, in Oceania.
What language did Island Melanesian societies speak?
Austronesian. This family includes Malay, Javanese, Cham, Tagalog, Malagasy, Polynesian, Maori.
What came before Island Melanesian societies?
Lapita culture.