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Which major regional civilizations developed in Mesoamerica after the Olmec period?

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Map showing principal sites of Meso-American civilization, with the Mayan zone of influence shaded in green across southeastern Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and parts of Honduras and El Salvador. The map highlights major Mayan, Aztec, and other ancient sites, as well as the extent of the Aztec Empire in central Mexico, using color-coded symbols and labels for notable cities and archaeological locations. — Pre-Columbian civilizations Principal sites of Mesoamerican civilization.

Following the decline of the Olmec civilization, several major regional cultures emerged in Mesoamerica, each developing distinctive variations on their shared cultural heritage. These civilizations flourished during the Late Formative and Classic periods, lasting until approximately 700–900 ce.1

Key civilizations that developed after the Olmec include:

Maya: Renowned for their sophisticated advancements in astronomy, mathematics, hieroglyphic writing, and calendar systems, the Maya reached their cultural peak between 600 and 900 ce.12
Teotihuac\u00e1n: Located in the Valley of Mexico, this city became the capital of a vast political and commercial empire. It exerted profound influence across Mesoamerica through its trade networks and unique architectural style, characterized by the talud-tablero motif.13
Zapotec: Centered at Monte Alb\u00e1n, the Zapotec people achieved a high level of development, producing some of the earliest writing and calendar systems in the region.1
Totonac: This civilization also developed during the Classic period, contributing to the diverse cultural landscape of the era.1

Following the decline of these Classic period powers, later groups such as the Toltec and eventually the Aztec rose to prominence as the dominant forces in central Mexico.1