Five Pre-Aztec Civilizations That Shaped Ancient Mesoamerica, from the Olmec to the Maya

Prior to the Mexica, five notable Mesoamerican civilizations existed before 1500 AD. The Olmec civilization thrived in Veracruz and Tabasco from 1200 to 400 BC, recognized for their massive stone heads and extensive trade networks. They were pioneers of the Mesoamerican ballgame and the use of rubber. Teotihuacán, which began around 100 BC, reached its zenith 500 years later, boasting over 5,000 structures and a population estimated between 120,000 and 200,000, before its decline around 550 AD. The Zapotec, referred to as the "Cloud People," appeared around 500 BC, constructing Monte Albán and creating a logosyllabic writing system. The Mixtec, or Ñuu Dzavui, known for their impressive architecture and deerskin codices, unified under Lord Eight Deer Jaguar Claw in the 11th century. The Maya civilization, existing from 1500 BC to 200 BC, reached a peak population of 2 million but experienced a decline post-900 AD.