Final answer:
The Mesoamericans made significant strides in architecture, mathematics, and astronomy, with achievements including complex cities, advanced calendars, and monumental architecture. However, the Spanish conquest resulted in a great loss of Mesoamerican knowledge, which is now being rediscovered through anthropology and archaeology.
Step-by-step explanation:
The technology achieved by the Mesoamericans before European contact was significant, although not evenly distributed nor uniform across their societies. While many Mesoamerican people did not exploit technologies such as the wheel for practical transport, likely due to the challenging terrain of their region, they made substantial advancements in other areas.
They developed intricate architectural monuments, like those found at Teotihuacan, an advanced mathematical system, and an accurate 365-day calendar for their agricultural and ceremonial needs.
Notably, the Spanish conquistadors found that these civilizations had dense populations and impressive cities, reflecting a complex social structure. However, the destruction of the Mesoamerican knowledge base by the Spanish, particularly of the Maya and Aztec, led to a significant loss of information regarding their advanced astronomy, engineering, and calendrical systems.
Today, understanding the achievements of these early empires requires the work of anthropologists and archaeologists, who study the remnants of Mesoamerican culture. Indigenous descendants of these empires, such as the Maya and Aztec, continue to live in the region, maintaining aspects of their ancestors' heritage despite the historical disruptions.