Instead of asking what happened to the Indo-Europeans, it's more accurate to ask what happened to their languages and cultures. Here's a breakdown:
Language:
* Spread and Diversification: Indo-European languages spread through migrations and cultural exchange. As they migrated, these languages diverged into different branches, such as Germanic, Romance, Slavic, and Indo-Iranian.
* Modern Languages: Modern languages like English, Spanish, Russian, Hindi, and Persian are all descendants of Indo-European languages.
* Extinction and Survival: Some Indo-European languages have become extinct over time, replaced by other languages. Others, like English, have become dominant languages spoken by millions.
Culture:
* Cultural Influence: Indo-European cultures left an immense mark on the world, shaping religious beliefs, social structures, and traditions in various regions.
* Cultural Exchange: Their cultures interacted and blended with other cultures throughout history, resulting in a complex tapestry of influences.
In summary, the Indo-European people did not disappear. Their legacy lives on in the languages and cultures of many modern societies around the world. Instead of "what happened," it's more accurate to ask "what became of?" their languages and cultures.