Laran

Laran was the ritual centre of Wehali, a Timorese realm on the fertile plain near the island's southern coast. Its sacred ruler bore the title Maromak Oan, while a liurai exercised authority beside him. In Wehali's origin traditions, this was the first land to emerge from waters that once covered the earth, and the centre from which other domains were related.

Portuguese visitors encountered a network of Timorese rulers linked to Wehali and its neighbours. As Portuguese influence expanded, Wehali's ruler sought connections with Makassar. In 1642 a Portuguese-led expedition under Francisco Fernandes marched against Wehali, accompanied by Dominican friars. The attack weakened its political authority, though the ritual importance of Laran and the traditions linking it to other Timorese domains endured.

The later city of Suai lies here.