The Olmec civilization was one of the first great Mesoamerican cultures, flourishing from around 1400 to 400 BCE. The Olmecs created massive monuments, including colossal stone heads, thrones, stela (or upright slabs), and statues.
The mysterious colossal heads were carved by pecking and grinding. The name Olmec is an Aztec word meaning the rubber people; the Olmec made and traded rubber throughout Mesoamerica. They were among the first Mesoamerican complex societies, and their culture influenced many later civilizations, like the Maya.
They built the Great Pyramid in La Venta, Tabasco. They are the originators of the Mesoamerican ball game. The Olmec population declined sharply and mysteriously between 400 and 350 BCE. The Olmecs were drinking chocolate and on the other hand, were performing human sacrifices.
Historians credit the ancient Olmecs for being the first Mesoamerican civilization to develop the concept of “zero.” They created the baby face statues which are quite intriguing too. One of them depicts Down syndrome. The role of the Olmec in Mesoamerican society is a matter of hot debate between archaeologists and anthropologists.
FURTHER READING AND SUGGESTED VIDEOS:
https://www.worldhistory.org/Olmec_Civilization/,
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