The Woodland Period refers to a time in North American prehistory that lasted from about 1000 BCE to 1000 CE. This period is characterized by the development of pottery, the construction of burial mounds, and the establishment of more permanent settlements. People during this time began to rely more on agriculture, growing crops like maize, beans, and squash, alongside hunting and gathering. During the Woodland Period, various cultures emerged, including the Hopewell and Adena cultures, known for their elaborate earthworks and trade networks. The period saw advancements in tool-making and the use of natural resources, which contributed to the social and economic complexity of these communities.