Mexico+lb

=In the begining... = Before Columbus stumbled onto the Americas, and before the Aztecs, there were already three great civilizations in modern day Mexico. The Mayas, Olmecs, and later, the Toltecs. The Olmecs were the first Mesoamerican civilization. Their greatest claim to fame is their artwork, in particular, the aptly-named colossal heads. The Mayas are well known for their architecture, as well as their highly sophisticated mathematical, and astronomical systems. They are also noted for the only known fully developed [|written language] of the [|pre-Columbian] Americas. As far as the Toltecs, it is much debated wether they were an actual ethnic group, or the product of Aztec myth.

The Aztecs came to power throughout the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries. The year 1521 dawned the end to their political and military power. They were conquered by a mix of spaniards and a large number of Nahuatl speaking indigenous allies led by Hernando Cort és. For the next three years, Mexico was ruled by Spain as part of the viceroyalty of New Spain. September 16, 1810, the Mexicans had their first revolt. They won their independence eleven years later in 1821. From 1821 to 1877, there were two emperors, several dictators, and enough presidents and provisional executives to make a new government on the average of every nine months. Over the years, Mexico lost more and more territory. Texas, California, Nevada, Utah, most of Arizona and New Mexico, and parts of Wyoming and Colorado were all lost through war, and treaties. Today, many indigenous colonies still exist, and contribute to Mexico’s culture. P opular musical groups known as [|Mariachis] perform along streets, festivals and restaurants. Folk dances are regarded to be one of the most important features of Mexican culture. The most significant of this dance tradition is the "Mexican hat dance", known as "Jarabe Tapatío".