Mystery behind Moana: After 1,700 years, why did Polynesians suddenly sail east?
Archaeologists are investigating the 'long pause' in Polynesian migration, a 1,700-year period where expansion into the Pacific stalled. New climate evidence is being analyzed to explain why these voyagers suddenly resumed their eastward migration between 900 and 1100 AD.
Ent-movie / Alamy The real mystery behind Moana: after 1,700 years, why did Polynesians suddenly sail east? Published: July 9, 2026 11:17am EDT https://theconversation.com/the-real-mystery-behind-moana-after-1-700-years-why-did-polynesians-suddenly-sail-east-287226 https://theconversation.com/the-real-mystery-behind-moana-after-1-700-years-why-did-polynesians-suddenly-sail-east-287226 Link copied Share article Share article
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