The Archaic people lived in Pennsylvania from the end of the last Ice Age—around 10,000 years ago—until about 3,000 years ago.
During the Archaic Period the climate warmed quickly and vegetation increased, allowing people to gather seeds, nuts, berries and roots.
As their population increased, the Archaic people developed a variety of tools to hunt, fish, grind seeds and nuts, and to make canoes and houses.
Family groups were egalitarian, though it is possible that some individuals with skill or knowledge had greater influence and authority.