Aruba, one of the many islands that make up the Caribbean, was first discovered and claimed by the Spanish in 1499. Yet evidence and records show that the Spanish were definitely not the first people on the island. In fact, painted petrographs left behind on walls and the ceilings of caves to escavated ancient artifacts of the Arawaks have been found in Aruba. Precisely for this information, many do in fact believe that the Caiquetios, people's of the Arawak tribe that migrated north from the Orinoco Basin in South America, were the very first inhabitants of the island. ... Events July 22 - Battle of Dornach - The Swiss decisively defeat the Imperial army of Emperor Maximilian I. July 28 - First Battle of Lepanto - The Turkish navy wins a decisive victory over the Venetians. ... South America South America is a continent crossed by the equator, with most of its area in the Southern Hemisphere. ...

Although the Spanish were in control of Aruba for many years, the Eighty Years' War between Spain and the Netherlands soon gave the Dutch the upper hand. Finally in 1636 the Spanish handed over the island to the Dutch. Years later, the English took over Aruba for a brief period, but it quickly returned under Dutch rule in 1816 and remained that way until 1985, when Aruba became a separate entity within the kingdom of the Netherlands. Events February 24 - King Christian of Denmark gives an order that all beggars that are able to work must be sent to Brinholmen Island to build ships or as galley rowers March 26 - Utrecht University founded in The Netherlands. ... 1816 was a leap year starting on Monday (see link for calendar). ... 1985 is a common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

The people and culture of Aruba has many different backgrounds. One can go from the Indians, to the Spanish, and more recently, the Dutch. Yet, through the years Aruba has become the home for many different people. Especially since the 20th century when industry has blossomed and people from all corners of the world call this island home. It can easily be said that Aruba is now made up of at least 40 different nationalites all living peacefully together.

Nowadays, the nearly 88,000 inhabitants of Aruba reflect it's greatly changing history. Through local foods, architecture, celebrations, and languages one can immediately see the different influences the past settlers had on the island. Yet, the Dutch, up to this day continue to be the most influential people on Aruban society since the Dutch language is the offical tongue of the Aruban people and it continues to have close ties to the Netherlands.