The Taino civilization was primarily located in the Caribbean, inhabiting a significant portion of the Greater Antilles and parts of the Lesser Antilles at the time of European arrival.
Geographical Distribution
The Taino people, an Arawakan-speaking group, were the dominant indigenous population across several major islands in the Caribbean before the 16th century. Their civilization flourished across a wide maritime region, characterized by distinct cultural practices, social structures, and agricultural systems.
The core territories of the Taino civilization included:
| Region | Specific Islands/Countries |
|---|---|
| Greater Antilles | Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola (encompassing modern-day Haiti and the Dominican Republic), and Puerto Rico |
| Lesser Antilles | The Virgin Islands |
These islands provided the fertile ground and maritime environment for the Taino to develop their unique culture, which included advanced pottery, intricate ceremonies, and sophisticated agricultural techniques such as conuco farming. Their influence spanned across this vast area, creating a interconnected network of communities prior to the profound changes brought by European contact.
