1. The Olmecs …the way they were.

2. The Olmecs lived in south-central tropical Mexico. This area is filled with swamps, hills, and volcanoes. They were present from about 1200 BC to 400 BC. The heartland of the Olmec civilization is located in what is now know as the Mexican states of Veracruz and Tabasco.

3. The Olmecs lived near water and farmed the lands that were made fertile by floods.

4. Many think that the Olmecs contributed many of their cultural and religious ideas to later cultures like the Maya and Aztec. The Olmec art mainly reflected religious meaning while some is more realistic. It was commonly made with stone or jade.

5. Their political system was made up of hierarchical city- state kingdoms that set a precedent for most other civilizations that followed.

6. The Olmecs used calendars and are thought to be the first culture in the western hemisphere that had a form of writing. They also used the term “zero”.

7. The Olmec religion was for the most part mythological with spirits and gods. They used large mounds, carved stone heads, and stone figures during their religious ceremonies. It also placed emphasis on human sacrifice.

8. The Olmecs developed religious sites surrounded by residential areas. In these areas they had elaborate architecture for both ceremonies and common use.

9. brought to you by... Jordan Chatham