[1] The island of Banggai was named in a Chinese document dating from 1304[2] and the 14th century Negarakertagama as a Majapahit tributary.

[6][7] It was recorded that the king of Banggai sent his son to Ternate in 1564 to examine Christianity and Islam, eventually selecting the former.

[9] The myth associated the states with the Maluku Islands – centered around Ternate and Tidore – placing them in the peripheries.

[15] Due to continuous raids, the settlement of Banggai was moved at least 3 times between the late 17th and early 18th centuries.

[19] During the late 17th and early 18th centuries, the Dutch East India Company attempted to spread its influence to Banggai with little success.

[20] During this time, Banggai was also subjected to raids from Papuans[21] and routinely fought with the Tambuku and Buton polities.

[27] Although the position is hereditary, the king of Banggai is ultimately appointed by the Sultan of Ternate, and acts as the polity's chief executive.