1. Olmec B.C. – 400 B.C.

2. Olmecs emerge around 1200 BC along Gulf coast of Mexico
San Lorenzo, built 1150 BC, is the oldest site. It has earthen mounds, courtyards & pyramids, w/ giant stone heads weighing up to 44 tons!

3. La Venta-900 BC: 100 ft high mound of earth, mud & clay.
Religious center? Worship jaguar spirits (rain, fertility, & earth)
Create a large trade network (N to Mexico City, S
to Honduras).
SL collapses
900 BC & LV
in 400 BC

4. Olmecs emerge around 1200 BC along Gulf coast of Mexico
San Lorenzo, built 1150 BC, is the oldest site. It has earthen mounds, courtyards & pyramids, w/ giant stone heads weighing up to 44 tons!

7. La Venta-900 BC: 100 ft high mound of earth, mud & clay.
Religious center? Worship jaguar spirits (rain, fertility, & earth)
Create a large trade network (N to Mexico City, S
to Honduras).
SL collapses
900 BC & LV
in 400 BC