Olmec culture

The Olmec civilization, existing around 1200-400 BCE in what is now Mexico, is considered the first major Mesoamerican culture. They developed sophisticated art, including large carved stone heads, and created early influences on later cultures like the Maya and Aztecs. The Olmecs built impressive ceremonial centers, engaged in trade, and practiced complex religious rituals. Their innovations in writing, astronomy, and sculpture laid foundational aspects of Mesoamerican civilization. Although their society declined around 400 BCE, their cultural achievements significantly impacted the development of later cultures in the region.