The name Larne comes from Latharna, a small feudal territory that stretched from Larne to Glenarm and ruled by Lathar who was granted the land by his father, the high king of Ireland. From its first settlement after the last ice age, it has been well known as a landing place with a natural harbour and sheltered water. The ancient Greeks, Romans, and Vikings all have references to Larne. Evidence of the earliest settlers are scattered in the landscape around Larne and Islandmagee reflected in the ancient name Port Saxa (Port of the Standing Stones).