Native-American cultures 3

The Americas had about 40 million people at the time of first European contact, which was comparable to Western Europe. Estimates suggest that the number of Native Americans living in what is now the United States ranged from 2 to 18 million. The introduction of European diseases, particularly smallpox, led to a significant decline in the Native American population during the 1600s.

Native American cultures were remarkably diverse, adapting to various environments and maintaining a close relationship with the land. Their common lifestyle included a combination of hunting, gathering, and farming, with an emphasis on maize. In many tribes, women typically engaged in farming and managing food distribution, while men focused on hunting and warfare.

Society among Native Americans was clan-oriented and communal, placing high value on oral traditions and storytelling. There was a notable presence of trade and interaction among different tribes, which included both friendly and hostile relations.