Who were the Native American peoples encountered by early European explorers in the Americas?

The Taino, Aztecs, and Iroquois tribes represent a diverse array of Native American groups that were encountered by early European explorers during their conquests and explorations in the Americas.

The Taino were among the first Indigenous peoples that Christopher Columbus encountered in the Caribbean when he arrived in 1492. They lived in present-day Cuba, Jamaica, and the Bahamas, and their interactions with the Spanish led to significant cultural exchanges as well as tragic consequences due to disease and colonization.

The Aztecs were a highly advanced civilization based in what is now central Mexico. Hernán Cortés encountered the Aztec Empire in the early 16th century. The rich culture, impressive architecture, and established social and political systems of the Aztecs showcased a significant Indigenous presence that European invaders sought to dominate.

The Iroquois, a powerful confederation of tribes in the northeastern United States, played a crucial role in the balance of power in the region as different European powers vied for control over North America. Their sophisticated political system and alliances with various tribes and European nations created a complex landscape for European explorers and settlers.

Each of these groups exemplifies the range of cultures and societies that existed in the Americas before European