Rapa Iti was first settled by Polynesians, most likely in the 12th century. Their Polynesian dialect developed into what is today the Rapa language over the centuries.CDNN It is believed that the depletion of natural resources on the island resulted in warfare, and the inhabitants lived in up to 14 fortified settlements (pa or pare, a type of fort; compare the Māori pā) on peaks and clifftops. It is considered that the oldest of these is Morongo Uta, which was developed .
