
Lucayan people
The Lucayan people were a Native American group who inhabited the Bahamas when Europeans arrived in the late 15th century. They belonged to the larger Arawakan language family and lived in coastal villages, relying on fishing, farming, and gathering for sustenance. Known for their friendly interactions with explorers like Christopher Columbus, the Lucayans had a rich culture, social structure, and spiritual beliefs. Unfortunately, their population declined rapidly after European contact due to disease, slavery, and exploration, leading to their near-extinction by the mid-16th century.