Explaining what prior civilizations influenced the
development of the maya and the aztec? in what
ways were these civilizations an influence?

the Olmec

Explanation:

The Olmec are the first known Mesoamerican civilization and they influenced the later civilizations in many ways. The Olmec Art is still visible in the art of the Mayas and Aztecs. Olmec's used Jade, just like the later civilisations. The Epi-Olmec script bears some resemblance to the Maya script.

i would go with the last one

disease was the number one killer of native peoples. they had had little exposure to the diseases of europe. this led to some villages being almost completely wiped out and some tribes destroyed.