- 3000 B.C. - 1000 B.C.
The beginning of the Palau culture still remains uncertain; however, it is said that the first Palauan migration to West Micronesia was around 3000-1000 B. C.
- 40 A.D
The permanent residents were firstly found around 40 A.D. (±70 years) in the Kayangel, the northern atoll of the Palau main island; these inhabitants even settled few centuries earlier than those in the Palau main island.
- 20A.D.-1200A.D.
The artificial terraces were established around 200-1200 A.D. in Babeldaob (also Babelthuap), the largest island of Palau.
- 1200A.D.
There were two main population movements, the first movement was around 1200 A.D; people moved from the higher islands to Rock Islands.
- 1200A.D.-1400A.D.
The second population movement was happened two or three centuries later, people moved from Rock Islands to high islands.
- 1500A.D.
Villages established in Babeldaob of the big island.
Language :
Although linguists and archaeologists proposed many possibilities that Palauan language might had been influenced by other cultures; however, some of the unique features revealed that the Palauan culture might had been isolated for 1000 to 2000 years.
Cultural Exchanges:
the use of glass beads and valuable stones expressed that Palauan might have done some trades with merchants from Chinese, Malay, Filipino, or even Arab.
The Origin of Palauan Society:
the origin of Palauan society is related to the spread of folk legends. It is said that the gods had established the political structure, social class system and legal provision for them, including the selection of rubaks (the chiefs). In a council called, kelulau, the rubak will chant the message from gods and pass it to a messenger, who transmits the intention of gods to people.
Dances and Songs:
it is said the dances and songs are all created by gods. Inspiring by the leap of fish, the dance could also apply to both heal the disease and pray for blessings.
Social Class System:
each person will be distinguished one’s social class by wearing accessories and tattooing symbols.
Social Organization:
an individual→a family→a clan→a village and village complex→a district→a village federation
Two parallel social systems are founded between male and female groups, a rare case among the world. Female leaders have the rights to choose the council committees among male leaders. Nevertheless, only male leaders can hold the council in bai. Women are not allowed to enter the bai except to do clean or entertaining purposes. Some women may learn to chant under such circumstance. The ability of chanting is to inherit from generations and a crucial identity to express one’s knowledge. One will be praised in the funeral if he had outstanding chanting skills during his life time.