The Olmec and Mayan civilizations, both prominent in ancient Mesoamerica, share similarities such as their religious practices, reliance on agriculture, and the development of complex societies with social hierarchies. Both cultures engaged in the construction of ceremonial centers and monumental architecture, with the Olmecs famous for their colossal stone heads and the Mayans for their intricate city-states and pyramids. However, they differ significantly in timeline and geographic extent; the Olmec civilization flourished from approximately 1400 to 400 BCE in present-day Mexico, while the Mayan civilization reached its peak much later, from around 250 to 900 CE, covering a broader territory that included parts of modern-day Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. Additionally, the Olmecs are often considered a "mother culture" that influenced subsequent Mesoamerican societies, including the Mayans, whereas the Mayans developed their own unique writing system, calendar, and mathematical concepts.
In 4-5 sentences, describe the similarities and differences between the Olmec and Mayan civilizations.
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Dumb it down, please
The Olmec and Mayan civilizations both existed in ancient Mesoamerica and shared some similarities, like farming, religion, and building large temples. The Olmecs are known for their giant stone heads, while the Mayans built impressive cities with pyramids. However, the Olmecs were around earlier, from about 1400 to 400 BCE, while the Mayans thrived later, from around 250 to 900 CE. The Mayans also created their own writing and calendar systems, which were more advanced than those of the Olmecs.
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