Tui Tonga

Tui Tonga in the context of this article represents the ancient lineage of the Tongan Monarchy.

The first known Tui Tonga was Ahoʻeitu who started this royal dynasty at about 900 AD - 950 AD. According to Tongan legends he was said to have been the son of the God Tangaloa and a Tongan woman. The Tongan royal families therefore trace their lineage to him.

Tui Tonga ruled over much of the South Pacific including the rule over Sāmoa for an estimated 400-500 years.

In addition to the Tongan empire, Tonga was apart of a trade network between Fiji, Tonga and Sāmoa. Tui Tonga marriages also included Sāmoan women.

Historically in peaceful times Tui Tonga, Tui Fiti, Tui Manuʻa, the Paramount chiefs of Sāmoa often intermarried and strengthened their trade network between the nations of the South Pacific including Tonga, Fiji and Sāmoa. In current times Tonga has good relations with both Sāmoa and American Sāmoa and leaders are often invited to each others ceremonies and special events.

From the Sāmoan perspective, after 400-500 years of rule under Tui Tonga, as the Sāmoans gained independance, Tui Tonga respectfully stated these words (Sāmoan version) "Ua Malie Toa, Malie Tau Ou te le toe sau i le auliuli tau, a o le auliuli folau O le a le toe sii mai se taua e Toga i Sāmoa; well fought brave warriors! In the future I shall not return here to fight, nut only pay friendly visits. Never more shall the Tongan wage war on the Sāmoans." The high title of Malietoa in Sāmoa originates from this account.

Notes

References to archaeological sites find have found historical sites of settlement in Tonga to pre-date sites in Sāmoa.

The additions of the Sāmoan perspective are included only to further document the historical links between Tonga and Sāmoa.