1. The Olmec

2. Meaning of Olmec The name Olmec means “rubber people” in the Aztec language, since they were discoverers of rubber tree.

3. Considered to be the Mother culture of Mesoamerican civilizations. The earliest civilization in Central America and possibly the earliest civilization in the Americas.

4. Time of existence They existed sometime between 1200 to 400 BCE.

5. Location They originally lived in the Gulf Coast region of Southern Mexico. – In the low-lands of South –Central Mexico Modern day Veracruz, Tabasco, and Oaxaca However, there is evidence of their expansion that extends as far as El Salvador. Had 45 cities, but three main cities: – La Venta (capital after 900 BC) – San Lorenzo (original capital until 900 BCE) – Tres Zapotes These centers were supported by a fully developed agricultural system.

6. Agriculture Maize Farming Fishing Hunting Clearing of jungle for farmland with one or two harvest per year. ( Human-Environment interaction).

7. Language Proto-Mix- Zoquean or Epic-Olemec

8. Writing First people to introduce a writing system to the new world. Olmec hieroglyphics Sixty-two signs incised on a block of serpentine date to the first millennium B.C.E. and are thought to be the earliest writing in the New World.

9. Calendar Began as a calendar year consisting of 52 years, then ending up with a calendar similar to ours today. However, their calendar had 306 days instead of 365.

10. Society Divided into tow groups – Elite who lived in urban areas Influenced art style, political, economic climate, and religious practices. – Common people lived in rural areas Farmers, artisans, and sculptors High authority Merchants, Warriors Farmers, artisans, sculptors

11. Government The Olmec lived in a society based on a theocratic form of government ( Government ruled by or subject to religious authority).

12. Religion Played an important role in the lives of the Olmec. Polytheism = believed in more than one god. Scientist and historians have discovered altars and other sculptures that support this. Practiced Shamanism (shamans practicing healing and conducting rituals).

13. The Jaguar The jaguar was very important part of their belief system. May have been the principal god. Jaguar may have been an earth god with dominance of water and earth. However, there may have been at least 10 more gods.

14. Physical Characteristics Based on the sculptures and monuments found: – Slanted eyes – Short wide noses – Thick lips – Prominent jaw lines – Short thick necks

15. Art and Culture Artwork is still being uncovered today. Common theme in art and other objects : – The use of jade and the symbol of a jaguar In addition, colossal or giant stone heads that symbolize the Olmec. The first head was discovered in 1852 in southern Veracruz, Mexico by Jose Maria Melgar. It wasn’t till 1925 that a second giant head was discovered. To date, about 17 giant heads have been found. Tallest standing over 11 feet.

16. Olmec disappearance The Olmec mysteriously disappeared. Their disappearance was due to : – Either another group conquered them – Or changes in the climate could not support their needs for food.

17. Accomplishments Cities Trade routes over land and water Agricultural system The Olmec played a very important role in shaping the civilizations that followed. – Many adopted their ideas, practices and values.

18. African Influence Some research proves that there was an African influence. – Giant Olmec heads