- The Olmecs (1500-400 BCE): The Olmecs culture flourished in the Gulf coast of Mexico and is regarded as one of the earliest major civilizations in Mesoamerica. They are known for their colossal stone heads and were influential in the development of later civilizations.
- The Maya (2500 BCE - 1500 CE): The Maya civilization developed in Mesoamerica, primarily in the regions now known as southeastern Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. They were renowned for their advanced agricultural practices, hieroglyphic writing, sophisticated mathematics and astronomical knowledge, as well as their impressive architectural achievements, such as the ruins of cities like Tikal and Chichen Itza.
- The Aztecs (14th - 16th century CE): The Aztecs established a powerful empire in central Mexico, with their capital at Tenochtitlan. They were known for their complex political and social structures, highly developed agricultural system, and elaborate religious ceremonies and rituals. The Aztec Empire was one of the dominant civilizations in the region before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors.
- The Zapotecs (500 BCE - 900 CE): The Zapotecs flourished in the region of present-day Oaxaca, Mexico. They are remembered for their artistic legacy, including finely crafted pottery, monumental architecture, such as the ruins of Monte Alban, and their sophisticated calendar system.
- The Mixtecs (10th - 16th century CE): The Mixtecs were an indigenous group that inhabited parts of present-day Oaxaca and Guerrero in Mexico. They were known for their metallurgy skills, beautiful codices (folded books) that preserved their history, traditions and religious beliefs, as well as their extensive trade network.
- The Toltecs (10th - 12th century CE): The Toltecs established Tula as their capital city in present-day Hidalgo, Mexico. They were known for their elaborate militarism, political organization and cultural influence on later civilizations. The Toltecs were widely regarded as founders of advanced civilizations and their architectural style can be observed in their most notable ruin - the Pyramid of Quetzalcoatl in Tula.
These civilizations and peoples represented diverse cultures with immense influence on the region's history, traditions, art, and societal developments, before and during the arrival of European explorers and colonizers.
