The Maldive Mystery

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When Thor Heyerdahl was invited by the government of the Maldive Islands to investigate recent archaeological finds there, his reaction was initially one of surprise. But although he knew little about these 'dots on the map of the Indian Ocean', and less about the language and customs of the people, he did understand how the invitation implied a changed official attitude. Maldive history had been reckoned to begin in the year 583 of the Holy Prophet, or AD1153, when islanders embraced the Islamic faith; and any pre Moslem relics found were usually destroyed. Now the president was saying, 'We are a young republic, yes. But we have proof that we too have an old history, just as our neighbours on the continent!' Thus unfolded for Thor Heyerdahl a fascinating historical and archaeological detective story, as he penetrated into the mystery of the Maldive past.