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The Medieval World, C. 400–1300

Pre-Columbian America

What are the major periods of Mesoamerican art?

Mesoamerican art (art of Mexico and Central America) is divided into three main categories:

  • The Pre-Classic Period: c. 1200 B.C.E.- 300 C.E.
  • Classic Period: c. 300–950
  • Post-Classic Period: c. 950–1521

The Post-Classic Period ended quite suddenly, when the major indigenous empires of the Americas fell to the Spanish Conquistadores led by Hernán Cortés.