Mesoamerica

Mesoamerica is a historical region and cultural area in North America. It extends from approximately central Mexico through Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and northern Costa Rica. Within this region pre-Columbian societies flourished before the Spanish colonization of the Americas.

Geography

Mesoamerica is bounded on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the east by the Caribbean Sea. The northern boundary is the Tropic of Cancer, with the southern boundary being the Pacific coastal lowlands in modern-day Costa Rica.

History

Mesoamerica was home to several advanced civilizations, including the Olmec, Maya, Zapotec, and Aztec cultures. These civilizations developed complex societies, built monumental architecture, and made significant advances in mathematics, astronomy, and writing.

Preclassic Period

The Preclassic period in Mesoamerica is often considered to have been the period before the emergence of the Maya civilization. This period saw the rise of the Olmec civilization, which is considered to be the "mother culture" of Mesoamerica.

Classic Period

The Classic period was marked by the dominance of the Maya civilization. During this period, the Maya developed a complex writing system, built large cities, and made significant advances in astronomy and mathematics.

Postclassic Period

The Postclassic period was marked by the rise of the Aztec Empire. The Aztecs built a large and powerful empire that dominated Mesoamerica until the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century.

Culture

Mesoamerican cultures shared several common cultural traits. These include a calendar system, a ballgame played with a rubber ball, the custom of bloodletting, and the belief in a pantheon of gods.

See Also

• Olmec civilization
• Maya civilization
• Aztec Empire
• Spanish colonization of the Americas

‎