Write 3–5 sentences investigating the cultural, political, technological, and economic changes and continuities between the Olmec and Mayan civilizations.(4 points)

Answer 1

The Olmec and Mayan civilizations, both prominent in ancient Mesoamerica, exhibit significant cultural and technological continuities, particularly in their religious practices and monumental architecture. The Olmec, often considered the "mother culture" of Mesoamerica, influenced the Mayans through their development of colossal stone heads and intricate jade carvings that highlighted social hierarchy and religious beliefs. Politically, both civilizations utilized a theocratic system, though the Mayans developed a more complex and varied political structure with city-states, reflecting changes in governance and territorial organization. Economically, both civilizations engaged in trade, but the Mayans expanded their agricultural practices and trade networks through advancements in techniques like raised field cultivation, allowing for a greater population density. Despite these changes, both groups maintained a strong connection to their ancestral religious traditions and communal rituals throughout their histories.