Timor-Leste

Abstract

The island of Timor probably served as a stepping stone in the migration of modern humans from Africa to Australasia. The Jerimalai cave in Timor-Leste was inhabited at least 42,000 years ago, and stone tools and fishing equipment discovered there point to seafaring traditions. Settlement by Melanesians took place on Timor from around 3,000 BC and further waves of migration from south China (Hakka people) and the Malay Peninsula date from around 2,500 BC. Trade links with China and elsewhere in southeast Asia developed over centuries—with sandalwood, honey, beeswax and slaves exchanged for rice, textiles and metal goods. In the mid-14th century the island came under the influence of the Javanese Majapahit empire, which reached its zenith under HayamWuruk (1350–89).