Concept in Definition ABC

The word Olmec is used to designate one of the most significant pre-Columbian civilizations that took place in America. The Olmecs were located in the current territory from Mexico, for which they were neighbors of other important cultures such as the Mayan and the Aztec. Unlike what is normally thought, the Olmecs did not coexist with the Spanish since their period of splendor took place between 1200 and 400 BC. C., so the Europeans discovered its past existence only through documents and works of art that lasted in time.

The Olmecs settled on the coasts of what is now the Gulf of Mexico, although they also went quite deep into the territory and spread their culture throughout an important part of the geography Mexican. Some of the most important Olmec urban centers were the cities of Tlatilco, Tlapacoya, Teopantecuanitlan and Chalcatzingo, among others.

Due to the existence of very few written documents, today there is little information about the lifestyle of the Olmecs. However, it is considered that the Olmec was a

civilization hierarchical in which some resources They were a privilege of the richest, as well as a large part of the constructions belonging to this civilization show greater power of certain social groups over others. At the same time, experts have found numerous objects and items with the typical design Olmec throughout much of the Mexican territory, which suggests that this culture was dedicated to the Commerce and exchange of goods.

Among the elements that stand out the most of the Olmec culture we find without a doubt the gigantic and fabulous heads that have been carved in stone, probably in honor of gods or figures important to the Olmecs. It is estimated that each of these heads represents a different character or figure since no two identical models have been found throughout the territory. In addition, the Olmecs also created important and beautiful masks made of jade. The Olmecs, finally, were polytheists and believed in a specific set of gods and shamans.

Olmec themes