As many cultures do, the Tainos left behind a strong legacy. Before their first European encounter, it is estimated that Tainos numbered close to three million total. After just sixty years of European occupation and displacement, the Tainos were believed to be completely wiped out. However, many fleeing Tainos found refuge in some of the surrounding tribes and were able to mix their culture with that of their host tribe, ensuring the survival of the Taino people and culture. Strains of Taino bloodlines have been found all over the Caribbean and even in Europe. Many modern day descendants choose to return to the lifestyle of the original Taino, but find it hard due to the lack of writing from that era and the melding of many cultures into one. They practice as much as they can and live on special reservations, which are frequented by tourists. Despite their small size and relative extinction, the Tainos have contributed to our everyday life as well. The Europeans adopted some of their customs and military tactics, such as chemical warfare, and perfected them ushering in a new age of fighting. Even some of our words have Taino roots, such as tobacco, barbecue, hammock, and canoe.