What were some of the early beliefs about the origin of native inhabitants of the new world?

Early beliefs about the origin of the native inhabitants of the New World often revolved around the idea that they were descendants of ancient peoples who migrated from Asia across the Bering Strait land bridge during the last Ice Age. Some European explorers and settlers speculated that these indigenous populations were remnants of lost civilizations or even thought they might have come from Atlantis. Others believed in various myths and theories, attributing their origins to divine creation or other fantastical narratives. Overall, these beliefs were shaped by limited understanding and a mix of observation, speculation, and cultural biases.