Far East Kingdoms

Viti (Melanesia) (Oceania)
Incorporating Naduri, Confederacy of Independent Kingdoms of Viti (1865-1867), United Tribes of Fiji (1865-1867), Confederation of Lau (1867-1871), Great Fiji (1867-1871), & Kingdom of Viti (1871-1874)

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Considered in some quarters to be a watery continent in its own right, Oceania starts where South-East Asia ends, to the south-east of Indonesia and East Timor. Its territory is somewhat debatable but generally consists of the waters of the Pacific Ocean dotted with some two thousand islands, some of which are independent states and others either parts of countries or colonies.

Melanesia, of which Fiji is a part, is in south-western Oceania, between Micronesia and Australasia. The area includes New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Norfolk Island, and Fiji. To the north and north-east of Melanesia is the aforementioned Micronesia, to the east and south is Polynesia (including New Zealand), and to the south-west is Australia.

More specifically in Fiji's case, its ancient name was Viti. Tongans called it Fisi, from which Europeans derived their version of the name. It is formed out of a group of islands in the South Pacific which, collectively, are situated to the east of Vanuatu, to the south of Tuvalu, to the south-west of the Wallis Islands, and to the west of Tonga.

According to legend, Fijians originated in a spirit land called Pulotu, somewhere far to the west, with spirits of the dead returning there. Cook Island legends state that Ui-te-raniora of the legendary island of 'Avaiki (Rarotonga) in the Cook Islands built a special canoe whose timbers were human bones and whose crossbeams were formed from a sacred tree which he cut down. The cutting of the tree caused a war, but he completed the canoe.

Due to the many wars which were occurring in 'Avaiki, he began the dispersal of the people to other islands. He also discovered the existence of Antarctica. Later leaders, from Kuru to Taa-Kura and Ari, also led migrations, with settlers reaching locations such as the legendary Iti-nui, Iti-rai, Iti-anaunau, and Iti-takai-kere in the Lau Group of the Fiji islands.

The Lapita were the ancestors of Polynesians. Historically those who came from the Santa Cruz Islands in the eastern Solomon Islands originally inhabited Viti by about 1100 BC. Within about a century of that, Lapita from Fiji and those of New Hebrides (now Vanuatu) had worked their way westwards through the Marshall Islands to settle the eastern Caroline Islands. By about 800 BC the Lapita had reached Tonga and Samoa.

(Information by John De Cleene and the John De Cleene Archive, with additional information from Ancient History of the Hawaiian People to the Times of Kamehameha I, Abraham Fornander (Mutual Publishing Company, 1996, and originally published as An Account of the Polynesian Race: Its Origins and Migrations, Vol II), from Beyond the Blue Horizon (National Geographic, March 2008), and from External Links: Fiji (Flags of the World), and Fiji (Rulers.org), and Fiji (World Statesmen), and Fiji (Zárate's Political Collections (ZPC)), and Fiji: Coronavirus Pandemic Country Profile (Our World in Data), and Hawaiki: The Original Home of the Maori; with a Sketch of Polynesian History (Victoria University of Wellington Library), and History of Fiji (Encyclopaedia Britannica), and Johns Hopkins University of Medicine, and Fiji High Commission to the UK, and BBC Country Profiles, and Levuka History and Timeline, and Tangia and Tutapu (History and Traditions of Rarotonga).)

c.1100 BC

Those Lapita whose descendants become the Polynesians and who are on the Santa Cruz Islands in the eastern Solomon Islands region originally inhabit Viti (today's Fiji) by about this time as part of Neolithic Oceania.

c.1000 - 800 BC

Probably by this time Lapita from Viti, as well as those from the New Hebrides (now Vanuatu), work their way westwards through the Marshall Islands to settle the eastern Caroline Islands. By about 800 BC, the Lapita reach Tonga and Samoa.

The Polynesian descendants of the Lapita tend to gravitate towards Viti, particularly the western part of the island of Viti Levu. They settle on that island for several generations until the native Lapita drive them out, after which they scatter to their current locations in Polynesia.

The concept of 'Avaiki stretches back over many generations, with it commonly being known as the final resting place of all Polynesians, one which was located within the bowels of 'Mother earth'

c.AD 1 - 450

By this period of time many Polynesians are living in Viti. Rarotongan legends now name a chief in Viti (around AD 450) who is known as Tu-tarangi.

fl c.450

Legendary chief in eastern Viti and Tonga.

Legends state that, during his lifetime, Tu-tarangi quarrels with another man over two favourite birds which he uses for fishing, and the quarrel leads to war. Tu-tarangi conquers many islands in the eastern Fijian group and also the Tonga group.

According to Rarotongan legend, Kuru, Taa-kura, and Ari instigate wars, and people from the main island migrate to 'Avaiki-runga (eastern Polynesia), Iti-nui ('Great Fiji'), Iti-rai ('Large Fiji'), Iti-anaunau, Iti-takai-kere, Tonga-nui (or Tonga-tapu), Tonga-ake (probably eastern Tonga), Tonga-piritia, Tonga-manga, Tonga-raro (Leeward Tonga, perhaps 'Eua Island), Tonga-anue, 'Avaiki-raro (Savāi'i), Kuporu ('Upolu), Manuka (Manu'a), Vava'u, Niua-pou, (Niua-fou), Niua-taputapu (Keppel's Island), and other islands.

Vegetation-covered volcanic peaks are the 'skyscrapers' of Rarotonga, the main island in the Cook Islands chain, where buildings are no taller than the highest coconut tree

Many of these islands are unknown as they have Rarotongan names which are not used by Fijians or other Polynesian people. Also around this time flourishes a supposedly actual historical figure, Tinirau, a hero who features in many Polynesian stories.

He is chief of an island in Fiji but he moves to 'Upolu in Samoa where he has a famous confrontation with Kae, chief of Sāvai'i. Many magical events are associated with Tinirau, who is known by a variety of names amongst various Polynesian groups. He is known for ensuring an abundance of fish, and the Māori claim descent from him.

Around this time a female ancestor of the Māori and Hawaiians, named as Whaitiri, is credited with being the first Polynesian cannibal. She is a Melanesian (amongst whom the practice exists) who is living in Fiji. She marries a man whom she persuades to take up cannibalism. He therefore receives the name Kai-tangata, which means 'man-eater'.

Cannibalism (or anthropophagy) was also known in the Neolithic farmer cultures of Eastern Europe (click or tap on image to read more on a separate page)

fl c.575

Legendary chief. Expelled his son.

c.575

Remembered through oral tradition but largely regarded as a legendary figure, Renga has a son by the name of Tu-tonga-kai-a-Iti. That son is expelled from Viti, so he proceeds to the main island of Tonga, where he becomes a ruling chief.

c.650

According to Cook Island legends, Ui-te-rangiora of 'Avaiki builds a special canoe with its timbers being fashioned from human bones and with crossbeams which are formed from a sacred tree which he cuts down. The cutting of the tree causes a war, but he completes the canoe and begins the first dispersal of the people of 'Avaiki.

Due to the many wars which are occurring in 'Avaiki, people migrate to other islands, and Ui-te-rangiora also discovers Antarctica. Later leaders also lead migrations, from Kuru to Taa-Kura and Ari. Amongst the many places they settle are Iti-nui, Iti-rai, Iti-anaunau, and Iti-takai-kere in the Lau Group of Fijian islands.

Fiji offers spectacular and inspiring sunsets, with the islands being characterised by their fine natural beauty

c.650 - 700

Tongans begin to occupy the south coast of Sāvai'i in Samoa, while Fijians begin occupying territory along the north coast. Similarly, the two groups occupy 'Upolu in Samoa.

c.700

According to legends of the Māori and Raratongans (Cook Islands), Mataru, former ariki of 'Upolu in Samoa around AD 575, had a son by the name of Te memeru who also had become an ariki. His immediate descendants are Te Emaema-a-rangi, Emā, and then the brothers, Taaki (Tawhaki in Māori) and Karii (Karihi in Māori), both of whom are in their prime around AD 700.

The Māori consider Tawhaki to be the eldest as he is their ancestor figure. The Rarotongans consider Karii to be the eldest as he is their ancestor figure. Following a dispute between them, Tawhaki goes to one of the Fijian islands which Melanesians have just occupied.

Many Māori stories refer to the son of Tawhaki - one Wahie-roa - and Tawhaki's grandson, Rătă. This family occupies areas of Tahiti and Viti between about 700-775 and comes into contact with the Melanesians.

At the geographic centre of Polynesian society were the islands of Kūki 'Āirani (the Cook Islands) and Tōtaiete mā (the Society Islands), while larger communities were formed in the Hawaiian chain and in Aotearoa (New Zealand) where the Māori people spoke (and still speak) a Polynesian language - the furthest extent of Polynesian society was Rapa Nui (Easter Island)

c.875

According to Raratongan legend, Tuna-ariki lives in Viti as a descendant of Ui-te-rangiora of 'Avaiki. Tuna is also a contemporary of Apakura, whose brothers had previously discovered Rarotonga (the Cook Islands) and who is also an ancestor of the Māori.

Tuna engages in a war against Tu-ei-puku over a place known as Avarua. Tuna defeats Tu-ei-puku and seizes control of his people. Tu-ei-puku's son, Kati-ongia, escapes to 'Upolu in Samoa and becomes 'Upolu's ruling chief. His Samoan name is 'Ati-ongie.

fl c.950

Legendary ruler of Hiti-nui (Viti or 'Great Fiji').

c.950

According to legends of the Pa'umotu (the people of the Tuamotu Islands), Tangaroa is ruler of Hiti-nui (Viti or 'Great Fiji'). He is probably the same person who is named in Tahitian genealogical legends as a chief some forty generations before the present day, which places him around AD 950. At this time, the second great (and legendary) Polynesian migration begins from the Fijian islands.

Wood or stone statues represent some of the more significant Fijian gods, and totems, and the characters which feature in their legends

Ancestors of the Māori-Rarotongans first settle in Viti. According to legend it is Tu-nui, great-great-grandson of Apakura, who is a high chief who lives in western Fiji. Apakura is the famous ancestor of the Māori-Rarotongans who had formerly lived in Tonga and whose brothers had apparently discovered Rarotonga (the Cook Islands).

c.1250

Samoans under two chiefs, Tuna and Fata, defeat the Tongans and Fijians who occupy Savai'i and 'Upolu in the battle of Alei-pata at the east end of 'Upolu. The ruling Tonganese chief (tu'i Tonga) makes peace and agrees only to engage in peaceful visits to Samoa from then on. Around this time, Tongans and Fijians begin to invade what is now New Caledonia.

1643 - 1774

Dutch Captain Abel Tasman becomes the first European to find Viti. He reaches the islands of Taveubi and Vanua Levu. Captain James Cook of Great Britain finds the island of Vatoa in 1774.

Born in the Netherlands around 1602, seafarer, explorer, and merchant Abel Janszoon Tasman was the first European to discover Tasmania and confirm Australia as an island continent

1804 - 1810/14

Sandalwood is discovered. Foreigners rush to Bua Bay at the south-western end of the island of Venua Levu. They quickly deplete the supply, and the trade is soon over.

The sandalwood rush, plus intense foreign interest in sea cucumbers (bêche-de-mer) which peaks in the 1920s, and the introduction of muskets all provide the background to the rise to Naulivou, chief of Bau. He establishes a degree of supremacy over the other chiefdoms to become supreme chief.

1803 - 1829

Chief of Bau (1803-1829), and supreme chief of Viti (1829).

1829 - 1852

Brother. Chief. Twice chief of Bau (1829-1832 & 1837-1852).

1852 - 1874

Son. Also ruler of Fiji (1865-1874 - see below).

1854

Cakobau converts to Christianity, and most Fijians follow his lead, becoming Methodists. Later Catholic and Anglican missionaries attempt to make headway in Fiji but are generally unsuccessful.

This depiction of Fiji in 1840 shows a club dance, with clubs being one of the most important focuses of art on Fiji, being found in many shapes and styles and acting as treasured possessions

1860s

The American Civil War brings a boom in cotton prices, and Europeans flock to Viti to establish plantations. The resulting conflicts between plantation settlers and island chiefs inhibits the development of a stable central government to which the authority of Bau had been leaning. Outsiders take an interest in Viti as an expression of imperial intentions.

1865 - 1867

Seru Epenisa Cakobau, nephew of Naulivou and now chief of Bau, consolidates the chiefdoms of Bau, These involve Bua, Cacaudrove, Lakeba, Makuata, Naduri, and Rewa, with them being formed into the 'Confederacy of Independent Kingdoms of Viti', also known as the 'United Tribes of Fiji'.

Cakobau becomes head of the confederacy as the president of the general assembly. The position is supposed to rotate periodically but, when the chief of Lakeba in 1867, Enele Ma'afu'otu'itoga (Maafa), is scheduled to take over, most of the Viti chiefs object. Ma'afu is a Tongan who is loyal to the king of Tonga.

A summit of volcanic undersea mountains forms the two roughly parallel chains of the Tongan islands, with most of those of the western chain being classified as high islands because they have been raised well above sea level by repeated volcanic activity

The confederacy accordingly divides into two entities in 1867: the kingdom of Bau which consists of an alliance of the tribes on Viti Levu ('Great Fiji'), and the 'Confederation of Lau' (also known as the 'Alliance of North and East Fiji') which includes Bua, Cacaudrove, and Lau.

Seru Epenisa Cakobau becomes ruler of Bau. Ma'afu remains governor of Lau and Vanua Levu as a vassal of the king of Tonga, but he eventually loses that royal support.

1865 - 1867

President of general assembly. Later ruler of Bau & Viti.

1868

Chief Cakobau and six other principal chiefs sell eighty-one thousand hectares of what later will become Suva, capital of Fiji, to the 'Polynesian Company', an Australian business entity.

The sixth vunivalu (warlord) of the influential Fijian chiefdom of Bau, Seuy Epenisa Cakobau was a converted cannibal who embraced Christianity and renounced cannibalism in 1854, while also managing to unite some of Fiji's warring tribes to form a unified kingdom

1867 - 1869

Supreme chieftain. Also chief of Cacaudrove.

1869 - 1871

Supreme chieftain. Also chief of Lakeba.

1871

Seru Epenisa Cakobau, now king of a Bau kingdom which represents a good portion of Viti, makes a second attempt to unify all the kingdoms and chiefdoms of the Viti islands. In order to quell disorder he and European settlers on the island of Levuka now form the 'Kingdom of Viti', which includes the chiefdoms or kingdoms of Bau, Lakeba, Makuata, Naduri, and Rewa.

The long-serving Cakobau becomes its king and, six weeks after he forms the kingdom, Ma'afu and his Lau confederation of Bua, Cacaudrove, and Lau join Cakobau's kingdom.

1871 - 1874

King. Abdicated when Fiji became a British colony.

1874

The council of chiefs offers to cede Viti to Great Britain rather than accept seizure by the United States. A treaty and a proclamation by the governor of Australia's colony of New South Wales grants sovereignty over all of the Fijian chiefdoms (except Rotuma) to the British crown.

This low quality rendition of a sketch of 1792 depicts Sydney Cove in the New South Wales colony of early colonial Australia, Britain's main colony there for many decades

The NSW governor becomes the first provisional governor of the 'Colony of Fiji' which replaces the kingdom of Viti. This act is later known as the 'Great Cession' and the act is central to modern Fijian history.