Tu’i Tonga Empire
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The Tu'i Tonga Empire was a powerful Oceanian empire.
It was centered in Tonga on the island of Tongatapu at the capital of Mu'a. At its height, the empire stretched form Niue to Tikopia and had an even greater sphere of influence.
The empire began to form around 950 CE after the decline of Tu'i Manu'a in Samoa and Tu'i Pulotu in Fiji. It would have been contemperary to the Micronesian empire based in Yap.
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Beginning of Empire
Tonga was under heavy influence from the Tu’i Pulotu and especially the Tu'i Manu’a who controlled large portions of Tonga. After several bloody wars, Tonga managed to free itself from foreign domination. Thus a dynasty under the title Tu’i Tonga was formed. The first Tu’i Tonga was ‘Aho’eitu whose mother was of an important noble Samoan family. His father, Tangaloa ‘Eitumâtupu’a, was a deified Samoan high priest. Because of this, the dynasty would be recognized as capable of both secular and religous personas. Similarities can be drawn to the role played by the Egyptian pharoahs. His capital was located at Toloa the capital would be moved to Heketa under the 9th Tu'i Tonga.
Expansion (1200-1500)
Under the 10th Tu’i Tonga, King Momo and his son Tu’itâtui(11th Tu’i Tonga) the empire was expanded to include all of Fiji and parts of Samoa. The empire continued to expand the imperial frontiers to include all of Western and Central Polynesia, some parts of Melanesia, and Micronesia. The empire at its height influenced over three million square kilometres of ocean. Many areas not under direct control of the Empire were forced to pay tribute. The capital was moved under the son of Tu’itâtui to the most well known and prosperous capital in the Empire's history, Mu'a.
Imperial Navy
The success of the Empire was largely based upon the Imperial Navy. The most common ships were long-distance canoes that usually had square sails. The largest ships could carry up to 100 men. The most notable ships were the Tongafuesia, ‘âkiheuho, the Lomipeau, and the Taka’ipômana. The large navy allowed for Tonga to become wealthy with large amounts of trade and tribute flowing into the Royal Treasury.
Triparte system
Decline of Tu'i Tonga and two new dynasties
The Tu'i tonga decline began due to numerous wars and internal pressure. In response the falefâ were created as political advisors to the Empire. The falefâ were initially sucessful in keeping the dynasty going but pressure persisted and which was followed by the murder of several leaders. The most notable were, Havea I (19th Tu'i Tonga), Havea II (22nd Tui'Tonga), and Takalau (23rd Tu'i Tonga), which were known for their tyrannical rule. The murder of Takalau around 1470 led to a restructuring of the Empire. The Tu'i Tonga were reduced to purely religious roles while a new dynasty, Tu'i Ha'atakalau, was formed for secular purposes. The first ruler under the title was Mo’ungâmotu’a who was the eldest son of Takalau and younger brother of Kau’ulufonua I, who became the next holder (24th) of the Tu'i Tonga title. This system was successful for more than 100 years, but similar to the Tu'i Tonga, the new dynasty fell to increasing pressure from within and outside that led to the third dynastic line, the Tu’i Kanokupolu. During this and the following periods, the empire became more centralized and, in the progress, lost much of its influence. In 1600 the Empire was expelled from Samoa by the Malietoa family.
Rise of Tu’i Kanokupolu
The establishment of the dynasty was around 1610 under Ngata, who was the son of th ethe 6th Tu’i Ha’atakalaua. This new dynasty did not replace either of the two previous two but instead competed with the Tu’i Ha’atakalaua for secular control. The Tu’i Kanokupolu was highly influenced by Samoan politics because the ruler's mother was the daughter of ‘Ama a Samoan high chief from Safata. The consequences were a more fluid and fragmented system, marking the beginning of democratization.
Civil War and the Constitution of 1875
In 1799 the 14th Tu’i Kanokupolu, Tuku’aho was murdered, which sent Tonga into a civil war for fifty years. Taufa’âhau, the 19th dyanstic ruler of the Tu’i Kanokupolu, took advantage of this in 1845. He had the support of the common people, because of the introduction of Codified Laws. The first was the Vava’u Code in 1839. He was also backed by missionaries for the same reason. The passing of the laws was used by him to decrease the religous power of the Tu'i Tonga and decrease the authority of the powerful Kanokupolu chiefs. He united the kingdom, and in 1875 established a consitution which secured his control of the country.
Culture
The capital of the Empire, Mu'a was established before 500 BCE However, the exact date is unknown. Little is known about Tongan culture but it is apparent that they had a sophisticated system of roads and canals. They also built large pyramids and other large stone objects. Due to flooding, and increased water levels the capital would be moved to a new location of Nuku'alofa later on. Some of Tonga's most famous landmarks include the Ha'amonga 'A Maui which was created under Tu'itatui in the 13th century. The kings and queens of Tonga were buried in the Langi which were large stone mounds.