The Erie (also Erieehronon, Eriechronon, Riquéronon, Erielhonan, Eriez, Nation du Chat) were a Native American people historically living on the south shore of Lake Erie. An Iroquoian group, they lived in what is now western New York, northwestern Pennsylvania, and northern Ohio. They were decimated in the 17th century by warfare with the neighboring Iroquois, especially the Seneca, for helping the Huron in the Beaver Wars for control of the fur trade. The remaining Erie were absorbed by other Iroquoian tribes, particularly the Seneca, and gradually lost their independent identity. Their villages were burned as a lesson to those who dare oppose the Iroquois.