Oxford Encyclopedia of Mesoamerican Cultures This link opens in a new windowThe Oxford Encyclopedia of Mesoamerican Cultures chronicles Pre-Hispanic, colonial, and modern Mesoamerica, defined as the lands stretching from Mexico to the southern tip of Central America. With more than 600 articles it includes pre-Columbian era civilizations (including the Olmec, Aztec, and Maya peoples) up through the colonial and postcolonial periods.