Samoan chiefdoms
Samoan chiefdoms appears on the timeline as a people or culture of Polynesia (Oceania) from c. 1000 to 1900 CE, a span of 900 years. Its people spoke Austronesian languages (Malay, Javanese, Cham, Tagalog, Malagasy, Polynesian, Maori).
Samoa's matai chiefs and districts competed for paramount titles, and tradition tells of the expulsion of Tongan overlords by the Malietoa line. Rival chiefs drew Germany, Britain and the United States into civil wars in the late 19th century.
See Samoan chiefdoms on the interactive timeline
Facts
- Dates
- c. 1000 to 1900 CE
- Duration
- 900 years
- Type
- People or culture
- Region
- Polynesia, Oceania
- Language family
- Austronesian
Came from
Became
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
- Tu'i Tonga Empire
- Saudeleur dynasty
- Colony of New South Wales
- Kingdom of Hawaii
- Colony of New Zealand
- German New Guinea
- Spanish Marianas
- French Polynesia
- Kingdom of Tonga
- French New Caledonia
Elsewhere in the world at the same time
- Republic of Venice
- Byzantine Empire
- Byzantine Empire
- Swahili city-states
- Ghana Empire (Wagadu)
- Holy Roman Empire
- Srivijaya
- Ethiopian Empire (Solomonic dynasty)
- Khmer Empire
- Ottoman Empire
Questions
When did Samoan chiefdoms exist?
c. 1000 to 1900 CE, about 900 years. These dates are approximate, because the evidence for its beginning or end is uncertain.
Where was Samoan chiefdoms?
Polynesia, in Oceania.
What language did Samoan chiefdoms speak?
Austronesian. This family includes Malay, Javanese, Cham, Tagalog, Malagasy, Polynesian, Maori.
What came before Samoan chiefdoms?
Ancestral Polynesian society.
What came after Samoan chiefdoms?
German Samoa and American Samoa.