- Flourished in present-day Mexico, particularly in the tropical lowlands of Veracruz and Tabasco.
- Considered the mother culture of Mesoamerica and the earliest significant civilization in the region.
- Best known for their colossal stone heads, some weighing up to 50 tons.
- Olmec art and iconography had a profound influence on later Mesoamerican cultures.
Chavín de Huántar (Andean region)
- Developed in present-day Peru, centered around the ceremonial site of Chavín de Huántar.
- flourished between 900 and 200 BC.
- Known for its impressive stone carvings and architecture, particularly the Lanzón monolith and the Raimondi Stela.
- Chavín culture exerted religious and cultural influence over a large part of the Andean region.
Moche civilization (Andean region)
- Flourished along the northern coast of present-day Peru from around 100 to 700 AD.
- Renowned for their advanced pottery, depicting various aspects of Moche life, including rituals, warfare, and daily activities.
- Moche also built impressive ceremonial complexes, such as the Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna.
Maya civilization (Mesoamerica)
- Developed in the southeastern region of Mesoamerica, covering parts of present-day Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras.
- Lasted from around 2600 BC to 1500 AD.
- Maya civilization is known for its highly advanced mathematics, astronomy, art, architecture, and writing system.
- Built impressive cities, including Tikal, Copán, and Chichen Itza, featuring temples, pyramids, and ball courts.
Zapotec civilization (Mesoamerica)
- Flourished in present-day Oaxaca, Mexico.
- Zapotecs built the ancient city of Monte Albán, which served as a political, economic, and religious center.
- Developed a writing system and created remarkable stone carvings and tombs.
- Zapotec civilization had a significant impact on later Mesoamerican cultures, including the Aztecs.