The Olmec civilization, often regarded as one of the earliest complex societies in Mesoamerica, emerged around 1500 BCE in what is now modern-day Mexico, particularly in the regions of Veracruz and Tabasco. Here are key aspects of the Olmec civilization:
The Olmec heartland was located in the lowlands of the Gulf of Mexico, characterized by tropical rainforests, swamps, and rivers which facilitated trade and agriculture.
The Olmec were primarily an agricultural society. They cultivated crops such as maize, beans, squash, and cacao. Their economic system was also supported by trade, with goods like jade, obsidian, and various ceremonial items being transported over long distances.
The Olmec practiced a sophisticated religious system with a pantheon that included deities associated with natural elements like rain, maize, and jaguars. Rituals likely involved bloodletting and human sacrifice, as inferred from various artifacts.
There is evidence that the Olmec might have developed one of the earliest forms of writing in the Americas, known as the Epi-Olmec script. They also possibly used a calendar system, which influenced later Mesoamerican cultures.
The Olmec civilization began to decline around 400 BCE. Theories for this decline include environmental changes, internal conflict, or shifts in trade routes. After their decline, their cultural legacy influenced subsequent civilizations like the Maya and Aztec.