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Introduction
Mesoamerica has always been unique with its diverse surroundings and natural products since primitive times. This region led the way for trade between outlying areas and the spread of new ideas across parts of North America. Although Mesoamerica had advanced civilizations, the exchange of products, people, and ideas changed the cultures of this empire many times over the years. The development of Mesoamerica’s cultures occurred so often that it was hard to depict what the different eras of the kingdom were. Based on the level of cultural differences, three eras were depicted by historians that helped separate the different periods of Mesoamerica. These phases were The Formative or Preclassic period (2000 BC – 100 AD), The Classic period (100-800 AD), and The Postclassic period which ranged from 800 AD until the arrival of the Spaniards. These eras would furthermore end in their defeat by the Spaniards.

Preclassic Period
Underneath the ruins of the Classic period ritual centers such as Teotihuacan and those of the Mayans, anthropologists discovered a world of artifacts even more ancient of those of the classical period. These artifacts were known to belong to the oldest period in Mesoamerica, the Preclassic. This period, which thus lasted about 2000 years, experienced a steady evolution from the agrarian culture to the first civilization to come forth in Mesoamerica, the Olmecs. The Olmecs became the mother of all civilizations in Mesoamerica through their advancements in society that affected future cultures of this period. Such civilizations, as seen in the table above, were the San Lorenzo, Tenochtitlan, La Venta, Chalcatzingo, San José Mogote, the Maya, Izapa, Nakbé, Lamanai, Xunantunich, Nai Tunich, Zapotec, Kaminaljuyú, Edzná, and the Monte Albán I & II. These societies were known as the Gulf Coast cultures.

The Classic Period
Now as great urban civilizations were being developed, the Classic period emerged. Ceremonial centers were built everywhere, and advancements in art, science, and other cultural aspects separated this period from the preceding. The Mayans, Zapotecs, and Teotihuacans prospered during this time of Mesoamerican history.

During this period Religion was one of the most important aspects in life. The births of their ceremonial centers were for the sole purpose of to please the gods in hopes to continue life for humankind and a thriving natural world. Social status was complicated and the more connected one was with the gods and temples, they higher they were ranked on the social ladder.

During the reign of the Teotihuacan, the construction of their ceremonial center began around 100 BC. It was located in a valley about 45 km from Mexico City and was built in phases in complete the complex. About 125,000 - 250, 0000 inhabitants, or 20 square kilometers of metropolitan, along with temples, platforms, and the two great pyramids of the Sun and of the Moon, created the massive ceremonial complex region. Thus was as large as that of the greatest Egyptian pyramid.

As well as religious progress, science and art influenced the Mesoamerican society greatly. Mathematics, astronomy, writing systems, and herbalists were enhancing society to it’s peak as well as sculpture and painting increasing in quality and transforming into a particular artistic style.

Agriculture around the lands of Teotihuacan are and were fertile and prosperous. The people of this society still actively participated in trade as an important source of wealth despite the fact of their affluent cultivation. The power that came with the flourishing crops that extended to many areas of Mesoamerica caused those in the Teotihuacan region to fall under its authority, or pay tribute to the city. Though sadly the grandeur of Teotihuacan came to an end in the 8th century when it was raided, burned, and completely ruined. The cause of this conclusion is still unknown but is speculated that there was a social conflict or a more powerful group conquered Teotihuacan.

When Teotihuacan met its fate, no other cultural group could spread their ideas so greatly. Even though the Classic period lasted about 200 more years, the civilizations left communicated very little, as seen with the Maya and Zapotecs. By the 9th century, the great ceremonial centers were forsaken or obliterated. This proclaimed the end of the cultures in the classic period.

Postclassic Period
Also known as the historical period, the postclassical period began in 800 AD. Some of the most prominent cultures existing in Mesoamerica at that time were the Aztec, Tarascan, Mixtec, and Totonac. What separates this era from the rest was that the northern semi-nomadic people of Arid America invaded Mesoamerica. As these people settled there, they incorporated many aspects from the Classic period into the Mesoamerican culture. Eventually civilizations close to those of the most advanced of the American continent emerged. Later in 1521, the Spaniards invaded the area and took over the Aztec Empire, leading to the end of Mesoamerica’s history.

In 1521 when the Spaniards invaded Mesoamerica, the Aztecs saw them arrive on ships with their heads in silver armor and believed that the Spaniards were gods. The Aztecs were wrong. Instead they found greedy, gold hungry men led by a man named Cortez who had one thing in mind, conquest. Though but a year earlier Montezuma, the leader of the Aztecs, saw an omen flash across the sky and believed that these men were sent by Quetzalcoatl, a feathered serpent god. Therefore Cortez and his men were given many of the Aztecs fine products in hopes that they would please this “god”. The Spaniards learn of their effect on the Aztecs and decide to cause neighboring tribes around the Aztecs to fall under their reign as well. Although the Spaniards were able to mesmerize the triple alliance, they did not manage to conquer the Tlaxcala, a tribe independent of the rest who were fierce in their beliefs. The invasion of the Conquistadors infuriated the Tlaxcala’s and they raided the intruders. Luckily, for the Spaniards they were well equipped with allies from the triple alliance and were able to defeat the Tlaxcala people. Thus, the conquest of the Aztec empire by the Spaniards finalized the days of the Mesoamerican culture and led the way to new beginnings in Mexico.