Olmec Heartland

The Olmec Heartland refers to the region in prehistoric Mesoamerica, primarily in what is now southern Mexico, where the Olmec civilization thrived from around 1400 to 400 BCE. This area, especially around towns like San Lorenzo and La Venta, is known for its distinctive art, massive stone heads, and complex society. The Olmecs are often considered the "mother culture" of later Mesoamerican civilizations, influencing subsequent cultures such as the Maya and Aztec. Their achievements in trade, agriculture, and architecture laid important foundations for the development of later societies in the region.