1400s
Pre-1494: Taíno Society and Land Use
Indigenous Taíno Inhabitants: Before European contact, Jamaica was inhabited by the Taíno people, who had migrated from South America. They established communities and developed a system of land use that included agriculture, fishing, and hunting.
Agricultural Practices: The Taíno practiced sustainable agriculture, cultivating crops such as cassava, maize, sweet potatoes, and fruits. They used shifting cultivation methods, which involved clearing small plots of land, farming them for a few years, and then allowing them to lie fallow to recover.
Village Settlements: Taíno villages were typically located near water sources and fertile land. They built thatched-roof houses and communal structures, creating organized settlements that balanced human habitation with the natural environment.
1500s
1494: Christopher Columbus’ Arrival
First European Contact: In 1494, Christopher Columbus arrived in Jamaica during his second voyage to the New World. He claime…
