Mexico's history was born of numerous cultural, ethnic, and political contributions from several major indigenous civilizations. Those that primarily influenced the early Mexican society were the Spanish colonists and a significant African population which served colonial leaders as slaves.
At least three great civilizations -- the Mayas, the Olmecs, and the Toltecs --preceded the wealthy Aztec empire, conquered in 1519 by the Spanish under Hernando Cortes. This was the first stage in what would be lasting dominion of the Spanish on the history, government and culture of the newly forming country.
The Spanish assault on the Aztec Empire in 1519 represented the second major stage of Spanish expansion in the Americas. The first stage had established permanent settlements in the Caribbean Sea, including the city of Santo Domingo (now the capital of the Dominican Republic) and outposts on the island of Cuba. These settlements made it possible for the Spaniards to probe the mainland of Mexico and Central America knowing that they could quickly return to their island outposts.
