The document summarizes the Olmec civilization of Mesoamerica from 1500 BCE to 200 CE. The Olmec inhabited the coasts of the Gulf of Mexico in what is now Mexico and were among the earliest complex civilizations in Mesoamerica. They built cities and ceremonial centers with earthen pyramids and sculptures. The Olmec were ruled by priest-shamans and had a theocratic form of government. They practiced agriculture, especially of maize, and engaged in trade. The Olmec religion involved shape-shifting shamans and nature worship. Their calendar, ball games, and human sacrifice rituals influenced later Mayan civilization.

1. Meso-American Civilizations Central American Civilizations Olmec - 1500BCE-200CE Maya 200-1200CE Aztecs 1350-1530

2. South America Many older Civilizations across South America are united by the Inca Inca – 1350 - 1530

3. MesoAmerican Civilization Origins Olmec 1500 BCE – 200 CE

5. Geography Yukatan Penninsula located on the hot, humid coasts of the Gulf of Mexico surrounded by rain forests, grasslands, and swamps

6. Olmec Politics Called “Cult of the Jaguar” City state government that united for religious celebrations under the authority of a Priest/shaman Dirt and clay pyramids used for political power and religious ceremonies

7. Colossal Heads Colossal Head #10 Basalt San Lorenzo http://isis.csuhayward.edu/dbsw/anthropology/miller/3250/03olmec/aolmec2.html#PHOTO%20GALLERY:

8. Economic Life most were farmers Social Class based on power and wealth priests and government (theocracy) were the most powerful merchants and craftspeople were next farmers were the lowest Most city states had their own language and customs

9. Olmec Religion: Polytheist nature worship shaman ruled, claimed to shape-change, control nature (rain, sun, crops), fly, killing enemies from a distance, and bear off-spring even though they are men. Jaguars seen as magical animals and shamen claimed to shape shift into them foundation of later Maya civilization.

10. Shaman as jaguar carrying his spirit

11. Riding Crocodiles in the Spirit world

13. Social Life Typical of Agricultural Society Men: plowed and planted fields tended to the crops hunted and fished Women/Older girls housekeeping chores making clothes supplying the home with firewood and water caring for younger children Children learned about farming and housekeeping chores

14. Intellectual Life Maize Domesticated 3000BCE Major staplecrop in Mesoamerica Also domesticated cotton, cacao, feathers, pelts, woods, rubber

15. Intellectual life developed a number system, calendar, and a form of writing

16. Olmec Art: Jade Sculpture (plus giant heads and pyramids) Jade Axe Were-Jaguar Olmec Figure http://isis.csuhayward.edu/dbsw/anthropology/miller/3250/03olmec/aolmec2.html#PHOTO%20GALLERY:

17. Olmec Influence on the Mayans Maize Ceremonial centers with temple pyramids Calendar based on the Olmec one Ball games Rituals involving human sacrifice

21. Olmec, La Venta, cone pyramid