Which Indigenous peoples lived in Mexico before Spanish contact?

Before Spanish contact in the 16th century, Mexico was home to a diverse array of sophisticated Indigenous civilizations that had developed over thousands of years. These cultures, often categorized under the umbrella of Mesoamerican civilization, included several prominent groups:12

• Olmec: Often considered the first great Mesoamerican civilization, they established major centers like San Lorenzo and La Venta, influencing later cultures with their art, architecture, and religious practices.1
• Maya: Renowned for their advancements in astronomy, mathematics, and hieroglyphic writing, the Maya thrived in regions including the Yucat\u00e1n and the Chiapas Highlands.12
• Aztec: By the early 16th century, the Aztec empire dominated the Mesa Central, known for their complex social organization, irrigation technology, and architectural marvels like Tenochtitl\u00e1n.23
• Zapotec and Mixtec: These groups were highly developed, particularly in the Oaxaca region, with the Zapotec producing some of the earliest writing and calendars in the area.12
• Other Groups: Many other distinct cultural groups thrived, including speakers of Nahuatl, Otom\u00ed, and Tarascan, as well as various Chichimeca tribes on the northern frontier.23