Where did the indigenouse people in Mexico live?

- Originally settled in central Mexico

- Built their capital, Tenochtitlan on the small island in Lake Texcoco in the Valley of Mexico

- Dominated much of central Mexico from 14th to 16th century

- Society divided into a strict hierarchy headed by the emperor

Mayans

- Developed in what is now southern Mexico and northern Central America (Yucatan Peninsula and Highlands of Guatemala)

- Built great cities with pyramid temples, palaces and ball courts

- Developed their own hieroglyphic writing system

- Mayan civilization peaked between 3rd and 9th century

Zapotecs

- Lived in the Oaxaca Valley in southern Mexico

- Built ceremonial centers with pyramids and plazas

- Famed for their goldsmiths and artisans

- Dominated much of southern Mesoamerica from 6th to 8th century

Olmecs

- Considered one of the earliest major civilizations of Mesoamerica

- Flourished in the tropical lowlands of southern Mexico (Gulf Coast) around 1200-400 BCE

- Built massive stone head sculptures and ceremonial centers

- Known for their jade carving and colossal stone sculptures

Purépechas

- Settled in the western Mexican states of Michoacán, Guanajuato and Jalisco

- Developed an advanced hydraulic systems and irrigation canals

- Built cities with pyramid temples and plazas

- Skilled metalworkers and wood carvers

Toltecs

- Ruled central Mexico from around 10th to 12th century

- Capital was Tula, located north of present day Mexico City

- Constructed impressive buildings, including the Pyramid of Quetzalcoatl

- Society divided into social classes and ruled by an elite warrior class