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1200 BCE: Rise of the Olmec Civilization

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1200 BCE: Rise of the Olmec Civilization

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The Olmecs, often called the 'mother culture' of Mesoamerica, established the first complex civilization in the region. They were known for creating colossal stone heads and developing the first writing system in the Americas. Their influence spread throughout modern-day Mexico, particularly in the Gulf Coast region.

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500 BCE: Zapotec Civilization Flourishes at Monte Albán

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500 BCE: Zapotec Civilization Flourishes at Monte Albán

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The Zapotecs established their grand capital at Monte Albán, building an impressive city on a flattened mountaintop. This architectural marvel featured pyramids, palaces, and an observatory. The site became one of the first urban planning centers in the Americas.

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Construction began on what would become the largest pre-Columbian city in the Americas. Teotihuacán, with its massive Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon, grew to become a major metropolitan center housing over 150,000 people at its peak.

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The Maya civilization entered its golden age, marked by the construction of magnificent temple-pyramids, the development of sophisticated mathematical and astronomical systems, and the flourishing of arts and sciences. Cities like Tikal and Palenque became major centers of power.

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The city of El Tajín rose to prominence, known for its distinctive architecture including the famous Pyramid of the Niches. The city became an important center for the ball game ritual, with multiple ball courts constructed throughout the site.

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Many major Maya cities in the southern lowlands were abandoned due to a combination of factors including environmental stress, warfare, and political instability. This marked the end of the Classic Period, though Maya culture continued to thrive in other regions.

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Chichén Itzá became the most powerful city in the Yucatán Peninsula. The city showcased a blend of Maya and Toltec architectural styles, including the famous El Castillo pyramid. It was a major center for astronomy, commerce, and religious ceremonies.

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The Aztecs established their capital city of Tenochtitlan on an island in Lake Texcoco. Through innovative engineering, they created artificial islands (chinampas) for farming and built a magnificent city that would eventually become one of the largest in the world.

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1428 CE: Formation of the Aztec Triple Alliance

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1428 CE: Formation of the Aztec Triple Alliance

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The cities of Tenochtitlan, Texcoco, and Tlacopan formed a powerful alliance that would dominate much of central Mexico. Under this partnership, the Aztec Empire expanded rapidly, creating a sophisticated system of tribute and trade.

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1519-1521 CE: Spanish Conquest of the Aztec Empire

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1519-1521 CE: Spanish Conquest of the Aztec Empire

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Hernán Cortés and his allies, including many indigenous peoples who opposed Aztec rule, led a campaign that ultimately resulted in the fall of Tenochtitlan. This marked the end of the last great Mesoamerican empire and the beginning of the colonial period in Mexico.