When and how did the Maldives appear?
The Maldives, an archipelago of beautiful coral islands, attracts attention with its unique beauty and amazing underwater world. But when and how did the Maldives come into being as a country, and what has been its historical development? In this article we will look at the origins of the Maldives and its connection to its colonial past.
History of the formation of the Maldives
- Geological origin: The Maldives are part of the Malay-Indonesian archipelago and are atolls formed on coral reefs. They arose due to the process of coral formation, which began more than 65 million years ago. Gradually, the corals grew to the level of the sea surface, forming islands.
- Ancient Settlements: The history of the Maldives goes back thousands of years. The first mentions of the Maldives are found in ancient texts, including Indian epics and Chinese documents dating back to the 3rd century BC. According to legends, the islands were inhabited even before the Arab invasion.
- Colonial Influence: Throughout history, the Maldives has been influenced many times by various external forces. In the 16th century, the archipelago became part of the Portuguese colonial empire, and then at the end of the 17th century – the Dutch. However, in the 19th century they came under the control of the British Empire.
Colonial past of the Maldives
| Period | Colonizer |
|---|---|
| XVI century | Portugal |
| XVII century | Netherlands |
| XIX century | Great Britain |
The Maldives is not only an amazing holiday destination, but also a rich history that stretches back thousands of years. Their formation is linked to ancient geological processes, and their colonial past adds an interesting aspect to their history. Understanding this context allows us to better understand the cultural heritage of this unique archipelago.