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  Which early cultures in the Americas have continued today?The descendants of the early Indigenous peoples in the Americas live throughout North, Central, South America and the Caribbean—and around the globe. For example, descendants of the early Maya can be found throughout Central America, as well as other parts of the Americas. More than 6 million Maya today inhabit Guatemala, Belize, and the Mexican states of Yucatan, Campeche, Quintana Roo, and Chiapas. Surviving the European Conquest When Europeans first arrived, the Americas were occupied by tens of millions of people, and an extraordinary diversity of languages, religions, and political systems was represented. However, within a few hundred years, disease, slavery, and warfare had killed at least three out of every four people. Many Indigenous cultures were destroyed. Others endured to carry their languages, histories, and cultural traditions forward into the future. Today, Indigenous peoples draw on and honor the traditions of their ancestors. Many maintain ties to their rich heritages while they live and work in the today’s world. Continue to Who were the earliest peoples in the Americas? >> back >> |
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