For hundreds of years, explorers, researchers, and tourists have all marveled at the massive stone statues of Easter Island.
There are around 900 of these figures with enormous stone heads, called moai, on the small island off the coast of Chile.
Recent studies have unearthed surprising answers about who built the moai, and how.
But now, one scientist says he has uncovered why these mysterious figures were built in the first place, and his explanation is almost too good to be true.
Experts believe the moai were built by the island’s native Rapa Nui culture between 1200 and 1600.
If it sounds impossible to you that the Rapa Nui could move hundreds of stone statues – most of which are 13 feet tall – you’re just understimating them.
