Prehispanic describes the period of time before the 16th century when Spanish explorers discovered and conquered Mesoamerica and South America. It is especially used to describe the Mayan, Incan, and Aztec cultures prior to contact with the Spanish and other explorers from Europe.

Cultures in this Period

• Aztec
• Maya
• Inca
• Toltec
• Olmec

Periods and stages in archaeology