The Olmec

The Olmec were an ancient civilization that thrived in Mesoamerica from around 1200 to 400 BCE, primarily in what is now southern Mexico. They are often regarded as the "mother culture" of later Mesoamerican societies, such as the Maya and Aztecs. The Olmec are known for their impressive monumental stone carvings, particularly colossal heads, and their advancements in art, architecture, and possibly early writing. Their society was complex, with significant trade networks and ceremonial centers, and they laid the groundwork for cultural practices, religious beliefs, and societal structures that influenced subsequent civilizations in the region.