c.
c. AD 1492 – 1600 (Legacy): Modern scholars emphasize that the traditional views of Caribbean societies on the eve of European encounter are being replaced by a more nuanced and diverse perspective. The rigid categories established by early Spanish chroniclers are being downplayed in favor of a “mosaic” view that recognizes the fluidity of indigenous identities and boundaries. Continuous contact between the islands and the mainland ensured that cultures remained dynamic and mutually influencing rather than static. By moving away from historical dichotomies, researchers can better appreciate the sophisticated social, economic, and linguistic configurations of the “First Islanders.” This modern synthesis aims to restore the true complexity of Caribbean history prior to the disruption of European colonization.