The Olmecs (/ ˈɒlmɛks, ˈoʊl -/) or Olmec were an early major Mesoamerican civilization, flourishing in the modern-day Mexican states of Veracruz and Tabasco from roughly 1200 to …

Apr 4, 2018 · The Olmec civilization is known for being the first great Mesoamerican culture. It is famous for its monumental sacred complexes, massive stone head sculptures, ball games, the …

Olmec, the first elaborate pre-Columbian civilization of Mesoamerica (c. 1200–400 BCE) and one that is thought to have set many of the fundamental patterns evinced by later American Indian …

Feb 27, 2024 · The Olmec created massive monuments, including colossal stone heads, thrones, stela (upright slabs), and statues. They may have been the originators of the Mesoamerican …

Jun 10, 2025 · The Olmec civilization thrived between 1200 and 400 BCE in present-day Mexico. Olmec society was advanced, with large public structures, a writing system, and unique …

Aug 2, 2025 · Olmec civilization (1600–400 BCE) laid foundations for Mesoamerican culture, transforming floodplains into cities through water management and governance.

Appearing around 1600 BCE, the Olmec were among the first Mesoamerican complex societies, and their culture influenced many later civilizations, like the Maya. The Olmec are known for …

Feb 3, 2022 · The Olmec are considered to be one of the earliest Mesoamerican societies and had a profound impact on later Mesoamerican societies, such as the Maya and the Aztecs.

Oct 13, 2024 · The Olmec civilization, often referred to as the “mother culture” of Mesoamerica, was one of the earliest and most influential ancient civilizations in the Americas.

The Olmec civilization is known for its colossal stone heads, sacred sites like La Venta and San Lorenzo, and its lasting influence across ancient Mesoamerica.