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The Olmec

The Olmec. Meaning of Olmec. The name Olmec means “rubber people” in the Aztec language, since they were discoverers of rubber tree. . Considered to be the Mother culture of Mesoamerican civilizations.

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The Olmec

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  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) • TresZapotes • 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

  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

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