Great American civilizations would include:Olmecs (Mexico)Mayans (Mexico and Central America)Aztecs (Mexico)Incas (Peru, Bolivia)
Aztec and Mayan civilizations.
Aztecs and Mayans were the latest before the arrival of Europeans in the 16th century.
A. Mayan B.Inca C.Olmec D.Aztec
Mesoamerica was located in what is now parts of Mexico and Central America, including areas of Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. It was characterized by its diverse indigenous cultures and civilizations that flourished before the arrival of Europeans.
In the decades following their arrival in the Americas, Europeans encountered several advanced civilizations, most notably the Aztecs and the Incas. The Aztec Empire, centered in present-day Mexico, showcased impressive architectural achievements, a complex social structure, and advanced agricultural techniques, including chinampas. Meanwhile, the Inca Empire in the Andes was known for its extensive road systems, sophisticated engineering, and impressive agricultural terraces. Both civilizations had rich cultural traditions and vast trade networks that highlighted their sophistication before European colonization.
Descendants of the native American peoples who inhabited ancient Mexico before the arrival of Europeans comprise around 15%-30% of the Mexican population.
Native Americans
There were many Amerindian or Prehispanic civilizations in Mexico, however the Olmec, Teotihuacan, Aztec and Mayan were the most important - and advanced - in such region. Some other civilizations found there include:ZapotecTehuacanTarascanMixtecTotonacPipilItza (founders of Chichen Itza)Ko'wojK'icheKaqchikelPoqomamMamTlaxcalan (who ultimately allied with Hernan Cortes to destroy the Aztecs)These civilizations were much smaller than the four most important, such as the Tlaxcalan civilization, or collapsed or were destroyed before the arrival of Europeans during the 16th century, such as the Itza, who collapsed during the 1200 AD.
The Inca Empire.
The southwest.
There was an existing civilization (Aztecs, Mayas) who inhabited the land before arrival of Europeans in the 16th century. During the years after contact was made, most of their social structure and culture was destroyed by the invaders.