Tuʻi Tonga Empire
Tuʻi Tonga Empire | |
|---|---|
| 950–1865 | |
|
Flag (1862–1866) | |
Map of the of Tu'i Tonga Empire in the 12th century | |
| Capital | Toloa Heketā Muʻa |
| Government | Monarchy |
| Tuʻi Tonga | |
• 950 CE | ʻAhoʻeitu |
• 1827–1865 | Laufilitonga |
| History | |
• ʻAhoʻeitu brought his faction to Samoa | 950 |
• the title Tuʻi Tonga was abolished | 1865 |
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The Tuʻi Tonga Empire, or Tongan Empire, are descriptions sometimes given to Tongan expansionism and projected hegemony in Oceania which began around 950 CE, reaching its peak during the period 1200–1500.
It was centred in Tonga on the island of Tongatapu, with its capital at Muʻa. Modern researchers and cultural experts attest to widespread Tongan influence, evidence of transoceanic trade and exchange of material and non-material cultural artefacts.
Captain James Cook observed and recorded his accounts of the Tuʻi Tonga kings during his visits to the Friendly Isles of Tonga.