Jamaica was inhabited by the Arawaks who lived in small communities.  Their daily habits consisted of fishing, hunting, and farming, most of cassava.  The arrival of Columbus and his fleet in 1494 decimated the indigenous people's way of living due to new diseases that were introduced along with the disruption of the economy.  Within 70 -80 years, the Arawaks all died out leaving few artifacts of their existence that are still on display in a small museum located at White Marl, Jamaica West Indies.  The Spanish occupation by Columbus and fleet lasted from 1494 – 1655.