Malachi J. McLaurin Ancient Civilization Period 6 – Ms. Walls Ancient Olmec Malachi J. McLaurin Ancient Civilization Period 6 – Ms. Walls

Geography The Olmec heartland is an area in the south coast of the Gulf of Mexico coastal plain. The area is about 125 miles long and wide with the Coalzalcoalas River system running through the middle. The site was 18 miles inland with the island consisting of slightly more than two square miles of dry land. The Olmec’s was established in 1200 B.C.

Religion The Olmec’s believed in blood offerings. One of these gods was the Olmec dragon, which has a bulbous nose, flamed eyebrows and a tongue that is bifurcated. They are a polytheistic people, which means they believe in many gods.

Achievements The Olmec people learned how to make things to help their society strive. The Olmec’s were the first to invest a written language based on hieroglyphics. The Olmec’s invented a form of a written calendar.

Political System The earliest state government in North or South America is the Olmec’s. The Olmec’s existed around the time that the Mycenaean Kingdom in Greece took over. The Olmec’s lost control and the new leaders, Mayas and the Zapotecs, took over.

Economics The Olmec economy centered around agricultural production on distinctive features that disappeared. The Olmec’s used boats to travel across rivers to trade goods. Their diet was supplied mainly by fishing and shellfish.

Social Structure Priests and Government Officials were most powerful in the Olmec culture. Merchants and Craftsmen were next in power. The Farmers were on the bottom of the social structure

Fun Facts The Olmec’s were known for their skills and distinctive motifs leaving numerous carved steal as well as free standing Jade and basalt sculptures. The Olmec’s built huge religious stone emblems of their gods and rulers.

Opinion I believe that the Olmec’s and their society was kind of boring. I feel this way because they did not travel far from their house, they stayed in the same area. They also did not really have any type of money. I know this because they traded all goods for food. I don’t think I would have been able to live during this time.

Ancient Olmec Quiz When was the Olmec society established? Were the Olmec’s monotheistic or polytheistic? The Olmec’s built a ___________ base on Hieroglyphics? True or False: The Olmec was the earliest form of government in North or South America? Who was on top of the Olmec social structure? True or False: The Olmec’s used cars to travel to sell and trade goods?

Quiz Answers 1200 B.C. Polytheistic Written Language True Priests and Government Officials False

Resources www.msrego.com www.olmec.info/olmec-religion/ www.localhistories.org/olmec.html www.msrego.pbworks.com www.historyforkids.com www.slideshare.net