Which Native American society primarily inhabited Central America?

The Maya civilization primarily inhabited the regions of Central America, particularly in areas that are now part of modern-day Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. The Maya are well known for their advanced knowledge in various fields such as mathematics, astronomy, and their complex writing system. They built impressive cities with monumental architecture, including pyramids and palaces, and developed a rich culture with intricate ritual practices, art, and mythology. The Maya civilization flourished in what is called the Classic Period (approximately 250 to 900 CE), establishing a sophisticated society that included city-states with their own rulers and political systems.

In contrast, while the Aztec civilization is frequently associated with Central America, they were primarily located in what is now Mexico, particularly the Valley of Mexico, which is further north than the heartland of the Maya. The Inca civilization was based in South America, particularly in present-day Peru and parts of Ecuador, Bolivia, and Chile, and is not relevant to Central America. The Olmec civilization is recognized as one of the earliest Mesoamerican cultures, but their territory was primarily located along the Gulf Coast of Mexico, which is also not strictly within Central America. Therefore, the Maya is the most fitting choice