1. EARLY MESOAMERICAN CIVILIZATIONS

2. The Olmec Key terms Olmec: Mesoamerica’s first known civilization builders Mesoamerica: region where the Americas began Rise of Olmec Civilization Emerge in about 1200 B.C Thrived from 800-400 B.C Lived along the Gulf Coast of Mexico in the modern-day Mexican states of Veracruz and Tabasco

3. The Olmec (cont.) Gulf Coast Geography Many advantages and disadvantages Disadvantages: hot and humid, covered with swamps and jungle, giant trees prevented sunlight from reaching the ground, up to 100 inches of rain caused flooding every year Advantages: abundant deposits of salt, tar and clay (used to make pottery), wood and rubber from the rain forest, hills provided hard stone for tools and monuments, rivers provided easy transportation, flood plains had fertile land for planting Used resources to build thriving communities Found the oldest site called San Lorenzo which date back to 1150 B.C

4. The Olmec (cont.) Olmec Society At San Lorenzo archaeologists found earthen mounds, courtyards, stone monuments and pyramids Sculpted heads were found, weighing as much as 44 tons, that may have represented Olmec rulers La Venta was a eastern Olmec site that rose around 900 B.C Experts believe that the Olmec prayed to a variety of Nature gods, most of all the jaguar spirit

5. Olmec (cont.) Trade and Commerce Appeared to have been a prosperous people and directed a trading network throughout Mesoamerica Olmec good traveled as far as Mexico City and Honduras Raw materials (iron, ore and various stones) reached the Olmec from far away regions Decline of the Olmec Around 900 B.C the Olmec collapsed for no apparent reason. Many researchers have different beliefs of why the Olmec civilization collapsed

6. Zapotec Civilization Arises Zapotec: an early Mesoamerican civilization that was centered in the Oaxaca Valley of what is now Mexico. Oaxaca is a rugged region of mountain and valleys in southern Mexico. In the center of the state 3 valleys meet to form the Oaxaca valley. The valley has fertile soil and a mile climate supports agriculture.

7. Zapotec Civilization Arises (cont.) In San Jose Mogote the Zapotec constructed stone platforms, temples and began work on monumental sculptures. High atop a mountain at the center of the Oaxaca valley the Zapotec built the first real urban center in the Americas, Monte Alban. By 200bc Monte Alban was homed to around 15,000 people, and would eventually reach a peak of 25,000 people. The heart of the city included a giant plaza, towering pyramids temples and palaces all made out of stone surrounded the plaza. Sometime after ad 600 the Zapotec declined. Scholars believe it was because of loss of trade or other economic difficulties.

8. The Early Mesoamericans’ Legacy The Olmec influenced the Mia with their art styles and they left behind the notions of planed ceremonial centers, ritual ball games and elite ruling class. The Zapotec left behind the hieroglyphic writing system and calendar system and were noted as the first American city builders.

9. Presented By: Alexis, Daniela, Kennedi, Megan, Emilio