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 astronomy. 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 practiced agriculture, cultivating crops like maize, beans, and squash, which supported large populations. Trade and religious practices also played significant roles in their daily lives and cultural development.