ABSTRACT
For archaeologists the long history of cultural evolution in Mesoamerica is complex, due in part to understanding the influence of geographical and ecological factors, the importance of resources, and the diversity and interaction of ethnic groups. The history of research has not contributed to its clarity. Sedentary life, the presence of pottery, and domestication of maize and other crops are documented for 23,000 B.C. in some areas, and they had spread from the Pacific to the Gulf Coast and to Belize by 2500/2000 B.C. As Mesoamerica's maize spread north to what is now the United States and south to South America, manioc and probably cacao made their way north via Central America. Maize constituted a minor part of the Mesoamerican diet until its size increased, since people had a wealth of food from the forest, estuaries, and rivers in the meantime.
