T HE O LMEC The First Mesoamerican Civilization (Central
America)
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T HE O LMEC O RIGINS 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
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T HE O LMEC O RIGINS 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
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T HE O LMEC L OCATION
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T HE O LMEC O RIGINS Evidence of the civilization discovered in
1862 Acceptance of the pre-Mayan civilization not until 1955 San
Lorenzo, Mexico - identified first known sacred mountain
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S AN L ORENZO, M EXICO Used criss-cross river system for
transportation Was the largest known centre of that time Ball games
and courts were prevalent in this society
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T HE O LMEC S OCIETY A basic hierarchal society with distinct
levels Priests and rulers were at the top Labourers (craftsmen,
farmers) at the bottom
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T HE O LMEC R ELIGION 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.)
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T HE O LMEC S OCIETY While grandeur was respected, farming was
its 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
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T HE O LMEC H EADS Famous among archeology Average 9.5 feet 20
tons Carved from basalt transported 45 miles
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P OSSIBLE METHOD OF TRANSPORTATION
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T HE E ND OF T HE O LMEC 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
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T HE O LMEC The First Mesoamerican Civilization (Central
America)