----------------------------

The three outer island of the present Krakatau group (Rakata, Sertung and Panjang) are thought to be the remnants of one previous, huge volcanic island. Called “Ancient Krakatau”, it was some 11 km in diameter and 2 km high. According to records in the Javanese Book of king it exploded and collapsed, perhaps in prehistoric times but possible as recently as 416 AD. There islands remained on the rim of its submerged, 7 km diameter, central caldera (collapsed crater). The southern most these, Rakata grew by volcanic activity until it was about (830m) high and 5 Km in diameter. Two smaller volcanic island, Danan (450) and Perbuatan (120m) then developed in line and to its north. There are recorded of seven eruption of Krakatau between the 9 th and the 16 th centuries. By the nineteenth century it was regarded as dormant (by. Professor. I.W.B. Thornton, Australia).