Formative period in Mesoamerica

The Formative period in Mesoamerica (around 2000 BCE to 250 CE) was a foundational era marked by the development of early villages, agriculture, and social organization. During this time, communities transitioned from small hunting and gathering groups to settled farmers growing crops like maize, beans, and squash. This period saw the emergence of villages, the creation of pottery, and the construction of ceremonial centers. It laid the cultural and technological groundwork for complex civilizations like the Olmec, who are considered the "mother culture" of Mesoamerica. This era set the stage for significant cultural innovations and societal advancements.