Unit 5: The Americas The Olmecs

Bering Strait About 30,000 years ago, nomads reached North America from Asia. They were able to pass because the Bering Strait was covered with ice, creating a land bridge. Around 10,000 B.C. the bridge melted

The Growth of America These people spread all through North, Central, and South America. They began farming for food and cultivated corn, beans, sweet potatoes, peppers, tomatoes, and squash. They also began domesticating animals.

Mesoamerica

Olmecs The earliest Mesoamerican civilization appeared in forest along the Mexican coast. It lasted from 1200 B.C. to about 400 B.C. They seemed to be highly developed and well organized. Based on farming and trade

Olmecs The Olmecs developed a complex calendar and hieroglyphic writing system, and had unique art creations. The Olmec cities were constructed around a central raised mound, which was used for religious ceremonies. Around 900 B.C., these raised mounds were replaced with pyramid-shaped structures.

Hierarchical Society A hierarchical society is seen by the separation of the elite and common groups in the residential housing. The houses were made of wooden walls with clay and palm roof tops.

Crops Crop production was made possible by an irrigation system that was built through the city- grew beans and produced salt. Crops were supplemented by fishing and hunting. The Olmecs had access to many waterways which were used for fishing and trading.

Olmec Art Olmecs are most notable for their colossal head art. It is theorized that the heads are modeled after their rulers. Most of the colossal heads were decapitated in some way. Researchers believe that the Olmecs did this themselves after a ruler died as a sacrifice to the gods. http://www.ancient.eu/article/672/