Olmecs

The Olmecs were an ancient civilization that thrived around 1400–400 BCE along the Gulf Coast of present-day Mexico. Often considered the "mother culture" of Mesoamerica, they developed advanced art, sculpting giant stone heads and intricate carvings. They influenced later cultures through their innovations in writing, religion, and architecture. The Olmecs established important city centers, and their ideas laid the groundwork for civilizations like the Maya and Aztecs. Recognized for their artistic and cultural achievements, they played a key role in shaping early complex societies in the region.