Tahiti

Tahiti is the largest of the Society Islands, a mountainous volcanic land whose two parts are joined by a narrow isthmus. Reefs and lagoons fringe its coasts, while fertile valleys supported communities under competing ariʻi, or chiefs. Canoes connected Tahiti with Moʻorea, Raiatea and other islands.

In 1767 Samuel Wallis reached Tahiti, followed by Bougainville and Cook. The arrival of ships and missionaries changed the balance among chiefly families. The London Missionary Society established its mission in the district of Te Porionuʻu in 1797. Pōmare II took refuge on Moʻorea in 1808, then returned with allies and defeated Opuhara at Feʻi Pī in 1815. His victory strengthened the Pōmare dynasty; Christianity spread and, in 1819, a written code of laws was promulgated.

The later city of Papeete lies here.