Mexican civilisations

If there’s one thing you can’t miss when visiting Mexico, it’s learning about the many civilizations that have inhabited the land for thousands of years. Most of us have heard of the Aztecs, the Maya, maybe even the Toltecs—but did you know that, today, there are more than 70 Indigenous communities across the country? Let’s take a closer look at some of the populations who shaped Mexico’s history. The first major civilization to settle in the region was the Olmecs, who lived in parts of Mexico as early as 1500 BCE. They’re the ones behind the colossal stone heads found in Central Mexico, as well as having created the first calendar and writing systems. Then came the Toltecs, a civilization expert in painting, sculpture, and architecture—marking the early stages of Mexican art. Roughly two centuries later, the Aztecs rose to power, becoming one of the most powerful civilizations in Mexico between the 14th and 16th centuries. They were the ones to settle in the Valley of Mexico and founded Tenochtitlan, now known as Mexico City. They built numerous temples, and some of their remains are still visible today. Meanwhile, another powerful tribe controlled the Yucatán region: the Maya, often considered to be one of the most influential civilizations in human history. Although it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact beginnings of their civilization, it undoubtedly dates back several millennia before Christ. Among all the pre-Columbian peoples, Mayas were the first to develop a complete writing system , as well as make remarkable advances in astronomy, mathematics, agriculture, and more. Hence, the Maya civilization has known many periods of success from the 14th to the 16th centuries before the Aztec settlement. Like their rivals, their golden age came to an end when the Spanish arrived in the 16th century, leaving behind a legacy of thousands of years. Among many other populations, you’d find the Zapotecs, Mixtecs, Totonacs, and the Teotihuacan—though they weren’t as powerful since they were often overshadowed by larger groups. Today, more than 600 years after the Spanish conquest, Mexico is home to around 70 Indigenous communities and more than 82 spoken languages, making it one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world.