1. EARLY MESOAMERICAN CIVILIZATIONS

2. Olmec Civilization began in Mesoamerica around 1200 BC (to 400 BC) Mesoamerica Central Mexico to northern Honduras Mother Culture of Mesoamerica People who create earliest civilization in southern Mexico

3. Olmec Geography/Environment- Located along Gulf Coast of Mexico, covered with swamps and rain forest and fertile river flood plains hot and humid climate abundant resources of salt, tar, clay, wood, rubber, and stone

4. Urban Design-Olmec Combined pyramids, plazas, and giant sculptures Massive sculptures of heads (first found in 1860) Built thriving urban communities at sites such as San Lorenzo and La Venta

5. Olmec Economy Directed a large and prosperous trading network throughout Mesoamerica Trade spreads Olmec influence to the north and south; In return for the products they made, they received iron ore and different kinds of stone.

6. Olmec’s Achievements and Legacy Jaguar motif and other art styles Pattern of urban design Concepts of ceremonial centers Ritual ball games Worshiped nature gods Head sculptures

7. Olmec Decline Reasons for Olmec collapse by 400 BC is unknown

8. Zapotec Geography Located in Mountainous region in southern Mexico; fertile soil and mild climate in valleys; (Oaxaca Valley) 1000 BC-600 AD

9. Zapotec Urban design Planned cities with stone pyramids, temples, and palaces built around a giant plaza (influenced by Olmecs)

10. Zapotec Language Hieroglyphic writing system

11. Zapotec Achievements/legacy Concept of urban planning; calendar system based on movements of the sun Monte Alban Impressive urban center built atop a mountain It had an observatory that could be used to look at the stars.

12. Zapotecs at Monte Alban 500 BC - First city in America 25,000 people Combined religion and daily life. Pyramids, temples, and palaces surrounded a giant plaza paved with stones

13. Monte Alban

14. Zapotec’s decline Declined shortly after 600 AD for unknown reasons