The Olmec

Period of Mesoamerican

400

The Olmec flourished during the Formative (or Preclassic) period of Mesoamerican chronology, dating from 1200 B.C.E. to about 400 B.C.E., and are believed to have been the progenitor civilization of later Mesoamerican.

The Olmec civilization

500

First known in Mesoamerica 1 Jan 500. The Olmecs are the earliest known civilization in Mesoamerica (Central America).The Olmecs were the first major civilization in Mexico following a progressive development in Soconusco.

Rubber Land

500

The term, which roughly translates as "those who live in the rubber land," refers to the practice of extracting latex from Castilla elastica, a rubber tree in the area. but rather a culture that was 2000 years older. Despite the mistaken identity, the name has remained.

Astronomy

500

The calendar used for centuries in Mexico may also have originated with the Olmec. Their astronomy was also carried on by later groups. They were probably obsess with the timing of religious ritual, as the Mayans and Aztec would be after them.Even the ritual ball game so popular among the Aztecs is believed to have been played in the ancient Olmec civilization.

Beliefs

500

We're uncertain, but it's believed that they may have been early adopters of the complex religious system that the Mayans and the Aztecs would use. Temple mounds, jaguars, many gods, and perhaps even human sacrifice were used by the Olmec society. The jaguar is a common figure in Olmec religion - especially combined with a snake or human child.

The Olmec compared to the Aztecs and Mayans

550

Part of the problem is the lack of materials and understanding of the Olmec civilization. Compared to the Aztecs and Mayans, little remains of the Olmec.There are a couple of reasons why the Olmecs are so important. First, they used and perhaps developed many things culturally and religiously that were later used by the Mayans and Aztecs and many other cultures. Second, they had a wide influence in their day, which gives us reason to believe that they may be responsible for spreading some idea

Influences and Traditions

560

The Olmec and their achievements arose from influences and traditions that were wholly indigenous to the region.but arose quite independently of any extra-hemispheric influences.

Maya culture

May 1, 600

However, at the time, most archaeologists assumed the Olmec were contemporaneous with the Maya – even Blom and La Farge were, in their own words, "inclined to ascribe them to the Maya culture.

Traditions

Dec 25, 600

In the latter half of the nineteenth century, Olmec artifacts such as the Kunz Axe came to light and were recognized as belonging to a unique artistic tradition.

States and Stones

Apr 22, 2006

The Olmecs carved stone, jade, and the volcanic rock basalt (used for the great stone heads). The stone was quarried and imported.We can see similar types of sculpture as far away as central Mexico (the land of the Aztecs) and the states of Oaxaca, Morelos, Guerrero, perhaps even farther.

The Olmec

Period: Apr 18, 2016 to Apr 23, 2016