Ancient America: Maya, Inca, Aztec and Olmec | HISTORY Ancient Americas Ancient North, South and Central America was home to sophisticated civilizations such as the Olmec, Maya and Aztec societies. The region hosts mysterious ruins like Chichen Itza, Teotihuacan, Serpent Mound, Tikal and the Nazca Lines. Featured Overview North America’s Ancient Cities Well before Europeans arrived, North America contained a number of large cities that rivaled those an ocean away. 1:01m watch Illustration by Eduardo Ramón Trejo. Photos from Getty Images. Featured Overview North America’s Ancient Cities Well before Europeans arrived, North America contained a number of large cities that rivaled those an ocean away. 1:01m watch Start Here This Little-Known Peruvian Civilization Built Pyramids as Old as Ancient Egypt’s Caral was an architectural marvel—a 1,500-acre complex constructed by the oldest known civilization in the Western Hemisphere. How the Aztec Empire Was Forged Through a Triple Alliance Three city-states joined in a fragile, but strategic alliance to wield tremendous power as the Aztec Empire. Why the Maya Abandoned Their Cities Around A.D. 250, the Maya built flourishing cities. What triggered their decline? 7 Foods Developed by Native Americans These dietary staples were cultivated over thousands of years by Indigenous peoples of America. Mayan Astronomy Mayan Astronomy Ancient Mayans studied the skies thousands of years before modern astronomical observatories. 2:05m watch 3 Key Empires Olmec Beginning around 1500 B.C., the Olmec civilization established itself in the present-day Mexican states of Veracruz and Tabasco, reaching its cultural and economic peak around 500 B.C. The Olmecs were noted for their superb stone carvings. Maya Centered in the tropical lowlands of what is now Guatemala, the Mayan Empire reached the peak of its power and influence around the 6th century A.D. The Maya excelled at agriculture, pottery, writing, calendars and mathematics. Aztec The last of the great pre-Columbian societies, the Aztecs arrived in Mesoamerica around the beginning of the 13th century. From their magnificent capital city, Tenochtitlan, the Aztecs emerged as the dominant force in central Mexico until the 16th century. Explore All Related Topics AllArticlesVideos Ancient Americas MayansAztecs When Did Humans First Get Tattoos? Inked-up mummies reveal that, far from a modern phenomenon, humans have been getting tattoos for thousands of years. Ancient AmericasThe Rise of the Aztec Warrior Empire The Aztec warriors built one of history’s most powerful empires through fierce discipline, relentless warfare and a highly effective military force that dominated much of the ancient world. What Happened to the People of Easter Island? The giant statues of Rapa Nui inspired a legend of civilization collapse. The truth might be one of societal endurance. 6 Extinct Animals That Once Lived Alongside Ancient Civilizations The ancient world was home to these long-lost species. One was even buried in a royal tomb. Advertisement History of Chocolate The history of chocolate and its creation from cocoa beans can be traced from the xocolatl-loving Olmec, Maya and Aztecs of Mexico to the courts of Europe. The Hidden Labyrinth Beneath the Inca Capital Maze-like passageways hold secrets in the heart of the ancient Inca Empire. How 5 Ancient Cultures Literally Reshaped the Human Skull Humans around the world have been shaping heads for millennia. Why Aztecs Revered the Axolotl The shape-shifting 'water monster' was a powerful symbol in Aztec mythology. Advertisement Advertisement Ancient AmericasWho Were the Fiercest Aztec Warriors? Explore how the Aztec Empire’s elite Eagle and Jaguar warriors trained. 17:32m watch The Mystery of the Aztec Death Whistle Was it meant to mimic sounds of sacred winds or screams? Turkeys Were Once Worshipped Like Gods The star of the Thanksgiving table was revered by the Maya. Ancient AmericasThe First Americans Paleo-Indians are believed to be the first humans to populate the Americas, around 10,000 B.C. 2:45m watch Advertisement Maya The Maya, a civilization of Indigenous people in Central America, created a complex Mayan calendar and massive pyramids before their empire collapsed into ruins. Ancient AmericasAztec Ingenuity Chinampas were a marvel of engineering that allowed the Aztecs to literally create new farming land where there was none before. 1:29m watch Ancient AmericasAztec Aqueducts The Aztecs built an expansive system of aqueducts that supplied water for irrigation and bathing. 2:33m watch Aztecs The Aztecs ruled much of Mexico from the 13th century until their conquest by Hernán Cortés in 1521. Load more Advertisement