Pre-Classic (1500 B.C. - 300 A.D.)
The Olmec civilisation appears in Tabasco and Veracruz. The Olmecs worship the Jaguar god and their most impressive site is at La Venta. It is possible that the Olmecs have a large influence on the Zapotecs in Oaxaca, who are constructing Monte Albán at this time.

Classic (300-900 A.D.)
An unknown people complete Teotihuacán in the valley of Mexico. They worship Tlaloc (the god of rain and fertility) and Quetzalcóatl (the plumed serpent) who brought civilisation to man. 

The Mayan civilisation reaches its height, building cities such as Palenque in Chiapas and Chichén Itza in the Yucatán peninsula (Campeche, Yucatán and Quintana Roo).

Post-Classic (900-1500 A.D.)
The Toltecs establish a stronghold in Tula in the valley of Mexico and add to the legend of Quetzalcóatl, who is driven out of Tula. The legend says that he is destined to return, which will later have tragic consequences for Moctezuma.

 In Oaxaca, the Mixtecs conquer Monte Albán and establish the ceremonial centre of Mitla.

In the valley of Mexico, the Aztecs, following a prophecy, settle on an island in a lake when they see an eagle perched on a cactus devouring a snake. It is here that they establish the city of Tenochtitlán, later to become the city of México (their symbol of eagle, snake and cactus also becomes the symbol of Mexico). From Tenochtitlán, the Aztecs are able to create an empire demanding tribute and taxes from the whole of central and southern Mexico. This is the situation when Cortés arrives...

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These pages were last updated on 28-12-2003 . © 1997-2003 Señor Pazonova
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