Australian history began with the arrival of the Indigenous peoples, known as the Aboriginal Australians, who have lived on the continent for over 65,000 years. They developed diverse cultures, languages, and traditions, deeply connected to the land and its resources. In 1770, Captain James Cook claimed the eastern coast for Britain, leading to the establishment of the first colony in New South Wales in 1788. This marked the beginning of European settlement, which significantly impacted Indigenous communities and led to the development of modern Australia as a nation, culminating in its federation in 1901.