Complex sentence: In the precolonial era, Butung was within the sphere of influence of Ternate, and especially in the sixteenth century served as a secondary regional center within the Ternaten empire, controlling trade and collecting tribute to be sent to Ternate.
Split into simpler sentences: In the precolonial era, the island, then usually known as Butung, was within the sphere of influence of Ternate. Especially in the sixteenth century it served as an important secondary regional center within the Ternaten empire, controlling regional trade and collecting tribute to be sent to Ternate.