Years before the Europeans (including Christopher Columbus) set foot in North America, the society was dominated by the native american empires. One of the major ones was the Aztec, centered at their capital Tenochtitlan, commonly known today as the Mexico City.
Later, the Olmec civilization created a culture that greatly influenced the Aztecs so both of these civilizations had similar traits.
Also, Aztecs and Olmecs created pyramids, developed writing systems, prayed to God for rain and had ball games where human sacrifice was a part of the game.