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The Maya developed advanced writing, mathematics, and astronomy. They built great cities like Tikal, Palenque, and Chichén Itzá. The culture went through rises and collapses but survived until the Spanish arrival in the 1500s, with the last city falling in 1697. -
The Olmecs were the first major civilization in Mesoamerica. They lived on the Gulf Coast and created huge colossal heads, early writing, and the first Mesoamerican calendar. They influenced all later cultures. -
Christopher Columbus arrived in the Caribbean in 1492, beginning contact between Europe and the Americas. This led to exploration, colonization, and eventually the Spanish conquests of the Aztec Empire (1519–1521) and the Inca Empire (1532–1533). -
The Mixtecs became powerful after Monte Albán declined. They produced famous codices, advanced metalwork, and had strong kingdoms. They remained important until the Spanish conquest in the 1520s. -
The Toltecs ruled from Tula and were known as great warriors and builders. They created the famous Atlantean statues and influenced Aztec religion. The civilization collapsed around 1150–1200 CE -
Teotihuacan was a massive city with the Pyramid of the Sun and Moon. It was the most powerful city in Mesoamerica, influencing many cultures. It declined around 650 CE after a major fire. -
The Zapotecs built Monte Albán, one of the earliest cities in the Americas. They created their own writing system, calendar, and complex architecture. Their culture continued until the Spanish conquest in 1521