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T HE O LMEC The First Mesoamerican Civilization (Central America)

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T HE O LMEC O RIGINS The Olmec existed between 1300 400 BC Considered the mother culture which built first cities in Mexico Built some of first known pyramids and large-scale carved stone

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T HE O LMEC O RIGINS Olmeca means people of rubber country. Rubber was a well established commodity in the region which initiated the name. Built a religious centre in San Lorenzo which was destroyed in 900 BC Another was built in La Venta, including a 30m high pyramid

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T HE O LMEC L OCATION

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T HE O LMEC O RIGINS Evidence of the civilization discovered in 1862 Acceptance of the pre-Mayan civilization not until 1955 San Lorenzo, Mexico - identified first known sacred mountain

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S AN L ORENZO, M EXICO Used criss-cross river system for transportation Was the largest known centre of that time Ball games and courts were prevalent in this society

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T HE O LMEC S OCIETY A basic hierarchal society with distinct levels Priests and rulers were at the top Labourers (craftsmen, farmers) at the bottom

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T HE O LMEC R ELIGION Worshipped several nature gods The jaguar spirit a powerful rain god. Some believe there were several jaguar gods that represented the earth, fertility, and maize (corn which was a major crop.)

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T HE O LMEC S OCIETY While grandeur was respected, farming was its lifeblood. Farmed on frequently flooded land Built up land to avoid flooded homes Land was so fertile because of flooding they could grow two sets of crops per year

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T HE O LMEC H EADS Famous among archeology Average 9.5 feet 20 tons Carved from basalt transported 45 miles

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P OSSIBLE METHOD OF TRANSPORTATION

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T HE E ND OF T HE O LMEC Phenomenon of sophisticated architecture, monumental carvings and complex artwork started with The Olmec pre-Olmec ideology was defined by physical examples which had never been done. Influenced all civilizations throughout Mesoamerica and South America. Trade and migration dissolved them into varying civilizations ~ 400 BC

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T HE O LMEC The First Mesoamerican Civilization (Central America)