As mentioned earlier, the ancient history and culture of Central America, Mesoameirca, also known as Middle America or "Central America", is not a geographical concept, but a large cultural category. This region is centered on modern Mexico, south to Central and South America, and north to the southwest of the United States, including the central plateau, southeast of the Gulf of Mexico, Oaxaca, Yucatan Peninsula, and western and northern Mexico. Although Central America is located in the tropics, its terrain is not high. Coupled with the influence of ocean currents and monsoon, its climate and vegetation are similar to those in temperate zones. In this region with suitable climate and favorable geographical environment, the most developed early civilization in the American continent was born.