The term "Guanche" refers to the indigenous people of the Canary Islands, an archipelago located off the northwest coast of Africa. The Guanches are believed to have arrived on the islands around 1000 BC, and they developed a unique culture, language, and way of life that was closely tied to the natural environment of the islands. The Guanches were primarily pastoralists and farmers, relying on goats and crops for sustenance. They lived in caves and built simple structures, and their society was organized into tribes. The arrival of the Spanish in the 15th century led to significant changes, including the decline of the Guanche population due to disease and conflict.