-
4500 BCE
Sedentary
Beginning of the process of sedentarism and constitution of Mesoamerica -
2000 BCE
Preclassic period
Beginning of Preclassic period -
1521 BCE
Mexico tenochtitlan
Conquest of Mexico Tenochtitlan -
1500 BCE
Mixtecs
The Mixtecs are an indigenous people of Mesoamerica, primarily located in the present-day states of Oaxaca, Puebla, and Guerrero in Mexico. They have a rich history and culture that has contributed significantly to the region.
The Mixtecs speak a variety of Mixtec languages, which belong to the Oto-Manguean language family.
The Mixtecs are renowned for their artistic achievements, particularly in metallurgy, jewelry making, and pottery.
The Mixtecs produced several important codices -
1428 BCE
Alliance foundation
Triple Alliance foundation -
1325 BCE
Mexicas
The Mexicas, also known as the Aztecs, were an indigenous civilization that inhabited present-day Mexico.
The Mexicas arrived in the Valley of Mexico in the 13th century and settled on the island of Texcoco, in Lake Texcoco. They founded the city of Tenochtitlán, which became the capital of their empire.
The Mexica economy was based on agriculture, with maize as the main crop. They also engaged in trade, exchanging goods like cacao, textiles, and obsidian. -
1200 BCE
Olmecs
The Olmecs were one of the earliest complex civilizations in Mesoamerica.
They are often referred to as the "mother culture" of Mesoamerican culture.
The Olmec civilization was centered in the Gulf Coast region of Mexico, primarily in the states of Veracruz and Tabasco. The Olmecs are famous for their colossal stone heads, which can weigh several tons and represent their rulers or important figures. Olmecs are believed to have developed one of the earliest writing systems in Mesoamerica -
900 BCE
Foundation of Tula
Foundation of Tula; Purepechas and Toltecs -
900 BCE
Post Classic period
The beginning of post classic period is characterized by significant changes in political, social, and cultural dynamics across various Mesoamerican civilizations.
During the Postclassic period, many of the large city-states that flourished during the Classic period, such as Teotihuacan and the Maya cities, experienced decline.
The Postclassic period saw the continued use of codices for recording history, mythology, and rituals. -
900 BCE
Toltecs
The Toltecs were a Mesoamerican civilization in present-day Mexico, particularly in the region of Tula in the state of Hidalgo. They are known for their contributions to culture, art, and architecture. The Toltecs are considered precursors to the Aztec civilization, influencing their religion, mythology, and social structure.
Toltec culture is famous for its monumental statuary, such as the iconic warrior statues and the atlantean figures that adorn the ruins of Tula. -
700 BCE
Zapotecs
The Zapotecs are an indigenous people of Mexico, primarily found in the Oaxaca region. They have a rich cultural heritage with significant contributions to Mesoamerican civilization. The Zapotec civilization is known for its advanced social organization, artistic achievements, and architectural developments.
One of the most notable archaeological sites associated with the Zapotecs is Monte Albán, which served as a major political and cultural center. -
650 BCE
Totonacas
The Totonacas are an indigenous people of Mexico, primarily located in the states of Veracruz and Puebla. They are known for their rich cultural heritage, which includes unique traditions, languages, and artistic expressions.
the Totonacs played a significant role in Mesoamerican civilization, particularly during the classical period. They were known for their agricultural practices, cultivating crops such as vanilla, which they were among the first to cultivate and export. -
525 BCE
Chichen-Itzá
The construction of Chichén Itzá, one of the most famous archaeological sites of the Maya civilization located in Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico, Chichén Itzá was an economic, political, and religious center for the Maya.
The site is characterized by its impressive architecture, which includes various structures such as pyramids, temples, and observatories. The most iconic building is El Castillo, also known as the Temple of Kukulkán, a step pyramid dedicated to the feathered serpent god Kukulkán -
500 BCE
Development of urban societies
Development of urban societies in Oasisamerica and Aridoamerica; Zapotecos -
500 BCE
Climax of Teotihuacan and Maya Culture
The climax of Teotihuacan and Maya culture represents two distinct significant periods in Mesoamerican history, each marked by remarkable achievements in architecture, art, and societal organization.
Teotihuacan reached its peak between AD 100 and 650. Located near modern-day Mexico City, it was one of the largest cities in the ancient world.
The height of Maya civilization is generally considered to be during the Classic period, from around AD 250 to 900. -
200 BCE
Classic period
The beginning of the Classic period in Mesoamerican history, particularly for the Maya civilization.
This era is characterized by significant advancements in various aspects of society, including politics, architecture, art, and intellectual pursuits.
The Classic period also saw the development of a complex social structure, with an elite ruling class that held significant power over religious and political matters. -
100 BCE
Foundation of Mexico Tenochtitlan
However, the Mexica people, who would later become known as the Aztecs, migrated to the region of central Mexico much earlier. Their journey and settlement were part of a larger narrative that involved various migrations and the establishment of city-states in the area.
The Mexica settled in the Valley of Mexico in the 12th century and began to form alliances and build their society, culminating in the founding of Tenochtitlán in the 14th century