The Olmecs were one of the earliest Mesoamerican civilizations, settling along rivers and lakes in Mexico between 2000-1000 BC. They domesticated crops like corn, beans, and pumpkins which provided the basis for their agriculture-based society. The Olmecs also domesticated animals and engaged in hunting, fishing, and gathering. They were pioneers in constructing stepped pyramids and temples that housed their gods. Olmec art, sculpture, and ceramics reflected their unique symbolism and culture. Their religious beliefs centered around shamanism and the jaguar as an important animal symbol representing the supernatural.

2. Olmec is the conventional name used for
determining the tribes of Mesoamerica since the
transition from nomadic to sedentary life
(c. 2000 BC). These tribes settled on the quays of
rivers and lakes from the
Gulf of Mexico up to the mountainous areas
in the hinterland.

3. Olmecs settled down in wooded areas, cutting
down and adapting them for cultivation and
breeding. They were also engaged in gathering,
hunting and fishing, but agriculture and animal
husbandry were the most important - the basis
was corn (The importance was the high content of
the proteins, particularly when there were
difficulties in obtaining meat). Its growing origins
date back to about 1000 BC. Initially they used
primitive: of flour grated on the stones they done
simple cakes or eaten it raw.
They also grew beans and pumpkins.

5. Olmec also managed to domesticate and develop the
breeding of pigs, goats, poultry, etc. probably grew
cotton and they made from it a primitive clothing. They
knew also cane sugar.

6. Olmecs were the pioneers erected in the city-
states of Mexican stepped pyramids, taken as a
symbol of the vault of heaven. Their peak
housed the temple - the seat of the gods.
In art, sculpture and ceramic delights Olmec
momentum and reflected details, precise
drawing and originality of symbolism.
Next to the altar there are large, reaching up to
3 m in height and up to 18 tons of weight
sculptures of human heads made of solid stone
worth paying attention.

8. Olmec beliefs - are associated with
shamanistic cult. Olmecs believed that every
person, every animal has a soul. A man in his
soul, has an animal spirit. The most
important animal for the Olmec was the
jaguar. He personified the supernatural, god,
ancestor of the Olmecs, was the second „I”
shaman. It is also encountered as a cult figure
half-man, half-jaguar. Another god was
olmeckim Feathered Serpent, guardian of
good luck,
to ensure success.