Hammocks were first invented by the indigenous peoples of Central and South America. The earliest evidence of hammocks dates back to the Mayan civilization, which flourished in Mesoamerica from the 2nd to the 9th century AD. The Mayans used hammocks for sleeping, resting, and transporting goods. Hammocks were also used by other indigenous peoples of the Americas, including the Aztecs, Incas, and Caribs.