Mesoamerica is a cultural historic area from Central Mexico to Nicaragua. The area is not the same as Central America. Many high-ranking Native American cultures originated here, including the Aztecs, Toltecs, and Maya. The Classic Period, 250-900, is the fourth period of five in the pre-Columbian history of America. The period followed the Formative Period and was succeeded by the Postclassical Period. There are no strict delimitations but overlap in other formats.

The cultures of the classical period are characterized by an artisanal division of labor and the beginnings of metallurgy (= science that studies the physical and chemical behavior of ores, metals, and metal alloys). Social life begins to show a form of urbanization with large ceremonial centers. The term "classical period" was originally used for complex societies of Mesoamerica and Peru. Other advanced cultures such as the early Mayan culture, Teotihuacan and the Hopewell culture are also included.

Characteristic of the classical period is the rise and dominance of various state institutions. The period is also divided into two parts. The early and late classical periods have been characterized by their changing fortunes and ability to maintain regional primacy. Teotihuacan in Central Mexico was of paramount importance. Zapotec exerted less influence on other regions.

During the Early Classic (300-600), Teotihuacan participated in and perhaps dominated a far-reaching network. Architectural and artifact styles from Teotihuacan were imitated and adopted in many distant settlements. Pachuca obsidian is found throughout Mesoamerica, while Teotihuacan is said to have controlled trade and distribution economically.

Tikal then largely dominated the southern Maya lowlands politically, economically, and militarily during the Early Classic. An exchange network centered in Tikal distributed a variety of goods and commodities. Tikal was often in conflict with other states.

The Maya civilization was at its peak. Trade and economy flourished, and the Maya area was one of the most densely populated areas in the world. They lived in city-states that were constantly at war with each other. The Maya developed a hieroglyphic script, as did the Zapotec. Both scripts probably have a common origin. The empire of Teotihuacan meanwhile was on the rise in the Valley of Mexico. It managed to extend its empire to Yucatan, the home of the Maya.

The Late Classic (600-909) was characterized as interregional competition and division between the numerous regional authorities in the Maya area. Tikal's socio-political and economic power declined. Other sites gained prominence. About 710 Tikal rose again and began to form strong alliances and defeat his worst enemies. The Classic Period ended with the so-called “Mayan collapse”. It was a transitional period linking general depopulation in the south with the development and flourishing of centers in the north. In the 8th century most cities fell into disrepair. Most Maya cities were soon overgrown by the jungle. There are several theories. Presumably, the overbuilding of the land has caused their own demise. The Maya civilization continued to exist in the north of Yucatan.