The exact origins of the Olmec civilization are still debated among archaeologists, but it is generally believed to have emerged around 1400 BCE in the southern Gulf Coast of Mexico. The Olmec people were the first major civilization in Mesoamerica and are considered the "mother culture" of the region.
At the beginning of the Olmec civilization, they established several important cities, such as San Lorenzo and La Venta, which were centers of political, religious, and economic activity. The Olmecs are known for their sophisticated art and monumental architecture, including colossal stone heads, altars, and thrones.
The Olmec civilization had a complex social hierarchy with rulers, priests, and artisans playing important roles in society. They also developed a system of writing, known as the Olmec script, although it is still largely undeciphered.
The Olmecs were skilled farmers and traded with other Mesoamerican cultures, exchanging goods such as jade, obsidian, and cacao. They also engaged in ritual practices, including human sacrifice, as a way to appease their gods and ensure the prosperity of their civilization.
Overall, the beginning of the Olmec civilization was characterized by cultural innovation, artistic achievement, and the establishment of a complex society that laid the foundation for future Mesoamerican civilizations.
What Happened In The Beginning of the olmec civilization
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In the beginning of the Olmec civilization around 1400 BCE, they established cities like San Lorenzo and La Venta, known for their sophisticated art, monumental architecture, complex social hierarchy, and trading practices, while engaging in rituals, including human sacrifice, as they emerged as the "mother culture" of Mesoamerica.