Where was the Mayan civilization primarily located?

The Mayan civilization was primarily located in Central America. This region encompasses present-day Guatemala, Belize, parts of Mexico (particularly the Yucatan Peninsula), and Honduras. The Mayans flourished in this area from around 2000 BCE to the arrival of Spanish colonizers in the 16th century, developing a complex society known for its advancements in writing, mathematics, astronomy, and architecture.

The choice of Central America is significant because the geography of this region, with its tropical climate and fertile land, was conducive to agriculture, which played a vital role in the rise of Mayan city-states. Cities like Tikal, Palenque, and Copán serve as testaments to the civilization's architectural and cultural achievements, including monumental temples and sophisticated urban planning.

Other regions mentioned—like South America and North America—hosted different civilizations, such as the Inca in South America, which was distinct from the Mayans. Western Europe had no direct connection to the Mayan civilization, as it developed its own historical trajectory entirely separate from Mesoamerican societies.