Question

write 3-5 sentences investigating the cultural, political, technological and economic changes and continuities between the Olmec and Mayan civilizations.

Answer 1

The Olmec and Mayan civilizations were both Mesoamerican cultures, sharing certain cultural and technological aspects. Both civilizations developed distinctive writing systems and were known for their advanced knowledge in astronomy. However, there were also significant differences between them. While the Olmec civilization is considered the earliest major civilization in Mesoamerica, the Mayans thrived and flourished later, leaving behind a vast amount of architectural wonders, such as their famous pyramids and temples. Politically, the Olmec had a centralized system with a ruling elite, while the Maya had a more decentralized system with various city-states ruled by kings. Economically, both civilizations relied on agriculture, but the Mayans were more sophisticated in their use of terraced farming and irrigation systems.