Here's a breakdown:
* Meso: Comes from the Greek word "mesos," meaning "middle" or "intermediate."
* America: Refers to the Americas.
Therefore, Mesoamerica literally means "middle America."
Geographically, Mesoamerica encompasses the following countries and regions:
* Mexico: From the southern states of Veracruz, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Tabasco, and Yucatan Peninsula.
* Central America: Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica.
Culturally, Mesoamerica is defined by its unique pre-Columbian civilizations, which shared many similarities in their:
* Language (many Mesoamerican languages are related, forming the Mesoamerican language family)
* Religion and mythology (shared deities, rituals, and religious practices)
* Architecture (pyramids, temples, ball courts)
* Art and symbolism (hieroglyphic writing, intricate sculptures and pottery)
* Agriculture (corn, beans, squash, cacao)
* Social and political structures (city-states, empires)
Notable Mesoamerican Civilizations:
* Olmec: Considered the "mother culture" of Mesoamerica, influencing later civilizations.
* Maya: Known for their advanced writing system, astronomy, and sophisticated cities.
* Aztec: Dominated central Mexico in the 15th and 16th centuries, known for their powerful empire and complex social structures.
* Teotihuacan: A powerful city-state with impressive architectural monuments, located near present-day Mexico City.
* Zapotec: Known for their sophisticated calendar system and advanced agricultural practices.
In summary, "Mesoamerica" denotes a region in Central America and Southern Mexico, characterized by its ancient civilizations and shared cultural traits.