The Olmecs (/ ˈ ɒ l m ɛ k s, ˈ oʊ l-/) or Olmec were an early known major Mesoamerican civilization, flourishing in the modern-day Mexican states of Veracruz and Tabasco from roughly 1200 to 400 BCE during Mesoamerica's formative period.

Apr 4, 2018 · What is the Olmec civilization known for? The Olmec civilization is known for being the first great Mesoamerican culture. It is famous for its monumental sacred complexes, massive stone head sculptures, ball games, the drinking of chocolate, and animal gods. What are five facts about the Olmec civilization?

Mar 7, 2025 · Olmec, the first elaborate pre-Columbian civilization of Mesoamerica (c. 1200–400 BCE) and one that is thought to have set many of the fundamental patterns evinced by later American Indian cultures of Mexico and Central America, notably the Maya and the Aztec.

Feb 27, 2024 · The Olmec Civilization was one of the most influential ancient civilizations of the early Americas, and though its dominance of the region faded in the last centuries before the Common Era, the Olmec civilization is commonly thought to be the “mother culture” of many other cultures that appeared in the region in later years.

May 30, 2019 · The Olmec were the first great Mesoamerican civilization. They thrived along Mexico’s Gulf coast, mainly in the present-day states of Veracruz and Tabasco, from about 1200 to 400 B.C., although there were pre-Olmec societies before that and post-Olmec (or Epi-Olmec) societies afterward.

Feb 1, 2017 · Olmec art is best known for colossal sculpture in volcanic stone and intricate works in jade, both media that were imported from faraway regions.

Oct 30, 2020 · The Olmec Civilization is one of the least understood and most mysterious in the ancient world. Known for their colossal stone head sculptures, they first emerged in the Gulf of Mexico near present-day Tabasco and Veracruz in 1600 BCE.

Aug 20, 2023 · Monumental sacred complexes, massive stone sculptures, ball games, the drinking of chocolate, and animal gods were all features of Olmec culture passed on to those peoples who followed this first great Mesoamerican civilization.

Feb 3, 2022 · The Olmec civilization emerged out of south-central Mexico in the tropical lowlands. Today, this area is the modern Mexico states of Veracruz and Tabasco. The Olmec are considered to have been at their height as a civilization …

Early prehistoric Mesoamerican culture from c. 1200 – 400 B.C.E. El Anatsui, Old Man’s Cloth, 2011, bottle caps, material, material (The Metropolitan Museum of Art)