-
2500 BCE
Preclassical
-
1500 BCE
olmecs
-
Period: 1500 BCE to 1200 BCE
Olmecs
Considered the "mother culture" of Mesoamerica, known for their colossal heads and influence on
later civilizations. -
1200 BCE
Zapotecs
-
Period: 1200 BCE to 400 BCE
Zapotecs
Develop in Monte Albán, establishing a complex society with writing and monumental architecture. -
1000 BCE
Teotihuacán
-
Period: 1000 BCE to 500
Teotihuacán
Height of the city, becoming an important cultural and commercial center with its famous
Pyramid of the Sun. -
250
Classical
-
300
Maya
-
Period: 300 to 900
Maya
Classic Period, flourishing in southern Mexico and Central
America, with advances in astronomy, mathematics, and writing. -
500
Post Classical
-
Period: 600 to 900
Toltecs
Known for their art and architecture, influencing later cultures such as the Mexicas. -
1325
Mixtecas
-
Period: 1325 to 1521
Mexicas (Aztecs)
Foundation of
Tenochtitlán and expansion of an
empire through alliances and conquests, rich in culture and religion. -
1470
Incas
-
Period: 1470 to 1532
Incas
Formation of the Inca Empire in the Andean region, known for advanced agricultural techniques and architecture, such as Machu Picchu. -
1492
Christopher Columbus reaches de New World
Columbus' voyage marks the beginning of Spain's expansion in the Americas. -
1494
Treaty of Tordesillas
Spain and Portugal divide the world into spheres of influence to avoid territorial conflicts. -
1500
Pedro Álvarez reaches Brazil
Portugal establishes a presence in what is now Brazil -
Period: 1519 to 1521
Hernán Cortés conquers the Aztec empire
Spain establishes itself as a power in Central and North America. -
Period: 1532 to 1533
Francisco Pizarro conquers the Inca Empire
Spain secures control of much of South America