Maya cities and the geography of Mesoamerica

The Maya lived in a part of central America called Mesoamerica. Mesoamerica contained rich fertile lands in the highlands and plains, and humid rainforests in the lowlands. From about 750 BCE, the Maya built cities like Copán near rivers, just like other early civilisations. These were all different, but usually contained a ceremonial centre with temple-pyramids, ballcourts and palaces. They often contained causeways and standing stones carved with pictures and writings about their rulers.