Olmecs History

The Olmec civilization is believed to be the first true civilization in Mesoamerica (area which now covers Mexico and Central America). Traces of Olmec civilization are found in the tropical lowlands of Mexico. Olmecs were the role models for the Maya, Aztec and other later civilizations in the region, because of their sophisticated art and exclusive style. Olmecs history shows that Olmecs culture was one of the important pre-Columbian cultures that flourished in south central area of modern-day Mexico in 1500 BC.

Olmecs Facts

• According to the Olmecs history, Olmecs were the first people who settled down in the coastal regions of central America, about 1500 years before Christ. It is believed that they first settled down in San Lorenzo. Olmecs culture is recognized as the mother culture of the many Mesoamerican cultures that followed it.
• From about 900 BC, their capital city moved to La Venta. The city was situated on an island in the Tonala river. This city then became the main trading center of the Olmecs.
• Distinctive sculptures and the exclusive temple architecture was developed over eight centuries. The massive stone heads (more than two meters in height and weighed about 20-40 tons) found at San Lorenzo and La Venta are the examples of astonishing creations of Olmecs.
• The sculptures of square-jawed, fat-lipped warriors (since most of the time they are shown wearing helmets with ear flaps) are really amazing. The colossal heads were carved from basalt from the nearby mountains and they form an important part of Olmecs history. The first Olmec sculpture (huge stone head) was discovered in 1862.
• The Olmecs food consisted mainly of corn. They knew about corn farming. Availability of ample food and nutrients helped the civilization to grow.
• It is believed that Olmecs were the first people who introduced writing. Archaeologists think that writing could have originated during the Olmec era, but there is no proof. However, recent discoveries strongly suggest that the Olmecs may have invented a system of hieroglyphic (consisting of pictorial symbols) writing around 1000 BC.
• Priests were considered as the head of the Olmec society. They led the society by performing the elaborate rituals to please their gods.
• Olmec towns had a similar typography. Olmecs are known for large settlements. The elaborate trade routes that they developed is a subject of research now.
• Development of religious complexes throughout the cities like temples is the characteristic feature of Olmec civilization. The temples or palaces had steps. The priests, pilgrims, common men had to take those steps before seeing the authority.
• Archaeologists have discovered that five hundred years before the golden era of Olmec civilization, Olmec ancestors had created stone monuments and had constructed elaborate tombs and earthen pyramids. The pyramids also had steps. (Egyptian pyramids don't have steps)
• La Venta in Tabasco was the trading center of cocao, rubber and salt.
• San Lorenzo in Veracruz was the center of political activities. It was also a religious center of the Olmecs. It was the first city in Mesoamerica to have a drainage system.
• The city, Laguna de los Cerros, in Veracruz was known for basalt mines and mountains. Making of metates (grinding stones) and stone monuments required basalt.
• Along with stone sculptures, cave paintings, jade artifacts and statues depict their love towards art.
• They imported jade and magnetite from distant regions and used them to make jewelry, pottery and statues. Those were also used to decorate facades of public buildings and as furnishings for their homes.
• They were the first ones to practice bloodletting (drawing of blood for therapeutic purpose) for curing ailments.
• It is believed that they first introduced the zero and a functioning calendar based on scientific calculations.
• It is believed that they ate chocolates!
• They knew that 365 days make a year.

The prosperous years of the Olmecs laid a strong foundation for the Mayan civilization and the Zapotec culture. Olmecs history had prominent influences in the region. The Olmec civilization which was surprisingly peaceful, ended around 500 BC. Mesoamerican cultures like the Maya, Toltecs, Aztecs and others grew after the end of Olmecs but Olmecs style of government, their religious and artistic philosophies and their modern and scientific outlook towards agricultural and trade had made them outstanding and influencing in the history of the world.