Preclassic

adjective2

1. •
   Designating a formative period in Mesoamerican history, from 2000 BCE to 250 CE, during which large-scale ceremonial architecture, writing, cities and states developed.
2. •
   Designating a transformative period in Maya history from the beginning of permanent village life c. 1000 BC until the advent of the Classic Period c. 250 AD.