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The Olmec

The Olmec. The First Mesoamerican Civilization (Central America). The Olmec Origins. The Olmec existed between 1300 – 400 BC Considered the mother culture which built first cities in Mexico Built some of first known pyramids and large-scale carved stone. The Olmec Origins.

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The Olmec

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  1. The Olmec The First Mesoamerican Civilization(Central America)

  2. The Olmec Origins • The Olmec existed between 1300 – 400 BC • Considered the mother culture which built first cities in Mexico • Built some of first known pyramids and large-scale carved stone

  3. The Olmec Origins • Olmeca means “people of rubber country”. • Rubber was a well established commodity in the region which initiated the name. • Built a religious centre in San Lorenzo which was destroyed in 900 BC • Another was built in La Venta, including a 30m high pyramid

  4. The Olmec Location

  5. The Olmec Origins • Evidence of the civilization discovered in 1862 • Acceptance of the pre-Mayan civilization not until 1955 • San Lorenzo, Mexico - identified first known sacred mountain

  6. San Lorenzo, Mexico • Used criss-cross river system for transportation • Was the largest known centre of that time • Ball games and courts were prevalent in this society

  7. The Olmec Society • A basic hierarchal society with distinct levels • Priests and rulers were at the top • Labourers (craftsmen, farmers) at the bottom

  8. The Olmec Religion • Worshipped several nature gods • The jaguar spirit a powerful rain god. • Some believe there were several jaguar gods that represented the earth, fertility, and maize (corn – which was a major crop.)

  9. The Olmec Society • While grandeur was respected, farming was it’s lifeblood. • Farmed on frequently flooded land • Built up land to avoid flooded homes • Land was so fertile because of flooding they could grow two sets of crops per year

  10. The Olmec Heads • Famous among archeology • Average 9.5 feet – 20 tons • Carved from basalt transported 45 miles

  11. Possible method of transportation

  12. The End of The Olmec • Phenomenon of sophisticated architecture, monumental carvings and complex artwork started with The Olmec • pre-Olmec ideology was defined by physical examples which had never been done. • Influenced all civilizations throughout Mesoamerica and South America. • Trade and migration dissolved them into varying civilizations ~ 400 BC

  13. The Olmec The First Mesoamerican Civilization(Central America)

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