Which are the civilizations of ancient Columbia?

The ancient civilizations of Columbia were very distinct and special. Maya, Aztec, and Inca were the civilizations of ancient Columbia. The settlements of the nomadic people in this area started around 1500 B.C.E. Crops like maize, cotton, cereals, fruits, and pepper was grown. Weaving, pot making were the occupations of these people. They had a centralized society with a hierarchical system. They constructed many stone idols and pyramids which were called as Olmec. These idols resembled the kings and leaders. Olmec style of art first originated in Central Mexico between the period 1200 B.C.E and 900 B.C.E. Slowly many villages, kingdoms and cities around this area practiced this form of an Olmec style of art. The Olmec style led to different native and regional style such as Maya, Aztec and Inca civilizations which were a part of the Columbian civilization.

The Mayas:

The Mayas were short, brown complexioned and round-headed people who were the American-Indian aborigines. They were from the Yucatan area of Mexico and spoke Yucatec. The settlements of the Mayas were ceremonial centers called cities, but the people lived around villages and cultivated maize, yam etc.,

The Aztecs:

The Aztecs were nomadic people who came to Mexico around the 13^th century. The Aztecs built their city on an island in the Lake Texcoco in Mexico. Their city was called Tenochtitlan and they were called Tenochca. They spoke Nahua. There was a mix of the culture of the other tribes such as Mayas, Toltecs and the Zapotecs whom they fought with. They gradually built their empire and improved their standard of living. They established trade connections with many far-off places. They cultivated pulses, grains, and pepper, tomato, tobacco, and cotton. The agricultural land was called Chinampas. They worshipped nature.

The Incas:

The Incas settled in Peruvian Cuzco valley around the 11^th century. Tupac was their famous leader. The kingdom was divided into four provinces. Chiefs were appointed to look after the provinces. The king was the head. Officials and priests held the upper hand in the society. The land was divided into three parts, one for the family, one for the king and the other for the Sun God. They had good communication skills. They also constructed huge stone buildings. They worshipped nature like the moon, stars, and lighting. Pottery and making cloth with innovative designs were their occupation.