Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Pōmare IV

Role / Field:

Queen of Tahiti, ruling from 1827 to 1877, a pivotal figure in Polynesian history.

Born:

1813-02-28

Died:

1877-09-17

Century / Era:

1813s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Pōmare IV (28 February 1813 – 17 September 1877), more properly ʻAimata Pōmare IV Vahine-o-Punuateraʻitua (otherwise known as ʻAimata – "eye-eater", after an old custom of the ruler to eat the eye of the defeated foe), was the Queen of Tahiti between 1827 and 1877. She was the fourth monarch of the Kingdom of Tahiti. Pōmare was the daughter of Pōmare II and Teriʻitoʻoterai Tere-moe-moe, his second wife. Her grandfather was Pōmare I.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

She succeeded as ruler of Tahiti after the death of her brother Pōmare III when she was only 14 years old. In 1843, the French declared Tahiti a French protectorate and installed a governor at Papeete. She fought in vain against French intervention, writing to the King Louis Philippe I of France and Queen Victoria, asking in vain for British intervention, and exiling herself to Raiatea in protest. What followed was the bloody French-Tahitian War which lasted from 1843 to 1847, involving every kingdom of the Society Islands. The Tahitians suffered many casualties, but the French losses were also great.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Although the British never assisted the Tahitians, they actively condemned France and war nearly broke between the two powers...

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Frequently Asked Questions about Pōmare IV