Urbanism and the Tongan Maritime State

As one of the most urbanised nations in the world an estimated 90% of Australians live in urban areas the nation's success depends on the sustainability and resilience of our population centres. While urbanisation brings productivity benefits through energised crowding, concentrated populations are also vulnerable to shocks and stresses caused by climate change, natural disasters, fluctuations to international trade and conflict. The Tongan state has responded successfully to these shocks with an exceptional record of settlement growth spanning 650 years. Using a model of 'urban success', this project will identify factors that supported settlement persistence in the Tongan state and knowledge mapping of urban resilience in human history. Examination of the urban history of the Tongan maritime state through remote sensing, traditional history and archaeological field work will help d