1. THE ANCIENT OLMEC
BY: Jose Montero

2. GEOGRAPHY
The Olmec civilization is an area on the South Coast of the Gulf of Mexico coastal plain of the Southern Veracruz and Tabasco, it is called that because of the concentration of a large number of Olmec structure, as well as the greatest Olmec sites. The area of the Olmec civilization is about miles long and 50 miles wide, with the Coatzalcoalcos River system running through the middle.

3. RELIGION
Olmec Gods were many and varied. Some were summoned for healing. Others represented dark powers, and some mischievous. Religion was very strong integral part of their culture. The Olmec practiced Shamanism. They believed each individual has an animal spirit. Some believed that the sun was a part of their worshiping along with the Jaguar. They also made gigantic stone heads, some scientists believe that they are statues of the ancient rulers.

4. ACHIEVMENTS
The Olmecs established trade with other native groups in Central America, they developed agriculture, they made pyramids, and created intricate artwork in pottery, stone, and jade. The ritual ball game played by later tribes in the religion may have to do with the Olmecs.

5. POLITICAL SYSTEM
The vast majority of the Olmecs lived in villages similar to present day villages and hamlets in Tabasco and Veracruz. The individual dwellings would consist of a house, an associated learn-to, and one or more storage pits (similar in function to a root cellar).

6. ECONOMICS
The Olmec economy centered around agricultural production, though there is evidence that they may have had to fight against over growth of wild vegetation the would have competed with crops.

7. SOCIAL STRUCTURE Shaman Craftsmen Farmers
The Shaman is the leader, the Craftsman are the normal workers, and the Farmers are the laborers.

8. QUICK FACTS They possibly invented a game based on soccer
They built pyramids different than the Egyptians
They were polytheistic
They built colossal heads of their leaders out of stone

9. OLMEC ESSAY
One of the strongest civilizations is the Olmec. The Olmec influenced many other civilizations that have flourished. The Olmec have invented many things. Some things they invented were colossal heads made of stone, pyramids, and a game that influenced soccer. Actually, the Olmec are very witty people.

10. QUICK QUIZ What game did the Olmecs influenced ?
What are the colossal heads made of ?
Who were the colossal heads based on ?
Who was the leader ?
Who don’t you want to be ?

11. BIBLIOGRAPHY Msrego.pbworks.com www.aaanativearts.com Wiki.answers.com

12. ANSWERS
SOCCER
STONE
OLMEC LEADERS
SHAMAN
A FARMER