Archaic period (Mesoamerican)

A period of Mesoamerican civilization from about 7000 to 2000 BC, in which hunter-gatherer societies intensified food collection practices and modified plant habitats, domesticating several plant species, notably maize (by c.2700 BC). Population growth, the development of permanent villages, intensive farming, the use of ceramics and long-distance obsidian exchange are all evident in Mexico by the late 3rd millennium BC.