Olmec culture (Mesoamerican)

The Olmec culture, flourishing around 1200–400 BCE in what is now Mexico, is considered the first major civilization of Mesoamerica. They are known for developing sophisticated art, including colossal stone heads, and for establishing early religious and social structures that influenced later cultures. The Olmecs built trading centers, created the first writing and calendar systems in the region, and played a fundamental role in shaping Mesoamerican traditions, including agriculture and ceremonial practices. Their innovations and cultural achievements laid the groundwork for subsequent civilizations like the Maya and Aztecs.