The largest ethnic group in Sulawesi is the Bugis, followed by Makassar and Toraja.

The archaeological remains of the earliest inhabitants were discovered in caves near limestone hills around Maros, about 30 km northeast of Makassar, the capital of the South Sulawesi province.

Pebble and flake stone tools have been collected from the river terraces in the valley of Walanae, among Soppeng and Sengkang, including the bones from giant pig and elephant species that are now extinct.

Hand print paintings, estimated to be around 35,000 to 40,000 years old, have been found in the Pettakere cave,[1] located 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) from the town of Maros and 30 kilometres (19 mi) from Makassar.

[2] During the golden era of the spice trade, from the 15th to 19th centuries, South Sulawesi served as the gateway to the Maluku Islands.