Mesoamerican civilizations refer to the advanced societies that developed in the region stretching from central Mexico to northern Central America. Key cultures include the Olmec, Maya, and Aztec, each known for their unique contributions to art, architecture, and agriculture. These civilizations thrived from around 1500 BCE to the Spanish conquest in the 16th century. These societies shared common features, such as the use of hieroglyphic writing, complex calendars, and impressive pyramids. They also practiced polytheism, worshipping multiple gods related to nature and agriculture. Trade and social hierarchies were essential aspects of their daily lives, influencing their cultural development.