The Olmecs were the earliest civilization in Mexico, emerging over 3000 years ago. They built large ceremonial centers and pyramids, displaying great wealth and power. Artifacts found indicate the Olmecs engaged in extensive trade networks across Mesoamerica. They were also innovative, developing concepts like the zero, writing systems, and the Mesoamerican calendar. However, the reasons for the Olmecs' decline around 400 BCE remain unknown.

1. Early American
Civilizations
{ Social Studies for 9th E.G.B.
Teacher: Mauricio Torres

2.  Little is known about
this civilization, except
for the artifacts and
monuments they left
behind.
 Not even what type of
language they
spoke, even though
several theories have
flourished during time.
That is the reason why
the sites have Spanish
names.
A mystery: The Olmecs

3.  They first appeared in
the southern part of
México more than three
millenia ago.
 The terrain they settled
is very similar to all the
other river valley
civilizations of
antiquity: well watered
alluvial soil.
The Olmecs

4.  There structures showed spectacular
displays of power and wealth.
 Inside their “Great Pyramid” there
are many offerings stored, such as
pottery figurines and mirrors.
Opulence

5.  The artifacts found by
archaeologists, give us an idea, that
the luxurious materials used were
product of trade, throughout
Mesoamerica.
 These same artifacts have been
found all around
Mesoamerica, leading to believe
that trade was a fundamental part
of their culture.
Trade

6.  The Olmecs were first defined as
an art-style. Later on did
anthropologists realize they
actually were a full scale
civilization.
 Their crafts include naturalistic
figures as well as fantastic
beings made in jade, clay, basalt
and other materials.
 Their most recognized figures
were the Colossal Heads. There
is no record of why they were
crafted, which leads to much
Art speculation.

7.  They developed many things
throughout their existence:
 “Number zero” concept.
 Writing.
 Human sacrifice.
 Mesoamerican Calendar.
 Mesoamerican ballgame.
Innovative people

8.  No one knows for sure of their decline.
Evidence suggests internal strife, invasion or
natural disasters. But it happened maybe as
late as 400 BCE.
Decline

9.  Why don’t we have
much information on
this ancient
culture, even though
they left a lot of
evidence behind?
Ask Yourself

10.  Wikipedia. (2012, April). Wikipedia - Olmec.
(Various, Editor) Retrieved from Wikipedia:
www.wikipedia.org (with previous checking of
sources cited)
Bibliography