c. 900 BCE The centre of San Lorenzo is detroyed and monuments are defaced. Their distinctive style was characterized by incredible attention to detail as well as symmetry and balance. Olmec builders transported these heavy stone sculptures from great distances, some from as far away as 93 miles. They are best known for their colossal heads. Key Points The Olmec lived in south-central Mexico, with their center in La Venta in Tabasco. Although they virtually disappeared from the historical record, its still likely that their cultural traditions survived in later civilizations like the Maya and the Aztecs. The boulders were brought from the Sierra de los Tuxtlas mountains of Veracruz. The Olmec civilization revolved around three main sites: San Lorenzo, La Venta, and Tres Zapotes, though most people lived in small villages. The Olmec civilization is very important to researchers. One of the biggest clues we have regarding the downfall of the Olmec is their sculptures: La Venta, where much of their art was produced, started re-using old stone from previous sculptures. Over-farming and agricultural troubles could have contributed to the demise of the Olmec, as well. The site is most noted for its extraordinary stone monuments, especially the colossal heads measuring up to 9 feet (nearly 3 metres) in height and possibly representing players in a ritual ball game (see tlachtli). The colossal Olmec heads made from basalt are a lasting legacy of the intricate detail with which Olmec sculptures worked. The Olmec Civilization is one of the least understood and most mysterious in the ancient world. The jade has been worked to represent a were-jaguar creature using only jade tools and then polished, perhaps using a jade abrasive. An ancient ritual sport that involved keeping a rubber ball in play in designated courts. Many of the intellectual accomplishments of the Olmec, such as a writing system and calendar, were eventually adapted and improved by these other cultures. Categories: They also made great strides in writing, astronomy, and calendars. However, Archaeologists speculate the cause as a mix of factors like war and agricultural shortages caused by flooding or volcanic eruptions. As a civilization, they are recognized for their . Q: How did Olmec civilization end? The Olmec period saw a significant increase in the length of trade routes, the variety of goods, and the sources of traded items. Influence of the Olmec Civilization on Mesoamerica, the Olmec civilization vanished along with it. The Olmec civilization developed in the ancient region of Mexico around 1200 B.C.E. It's possible that some natural disaster or shift in weather patterns could have disrupted their fine agricultural balance to an unrecoverable extent. World History Publishing is a non-profit company registered in the United Kingdom. How Did Impressment Lead to the War of 1812? The Olmec's 17 giant head sculptures are their most well-known archaeological artifact: 40-ton heads, each one of a specific person, composed of basalt transported from fifty miles away. The most striking legacy of the Olmec civilization must be the colossal stone heads they produced. Regardless, the Olmec culture would go on to influence many aspects of future Mesoamerican civilization. San Lorenzo reached its peak of prosperity and influence between 1200 and 900 BCE when its strategic position safe from flooding allowed it to control local trade. Generally, only six pristine cultures are thought to exist: those of ancient India, Egypt, China, Sumeria, and the Chavin Culture of Peru in addition to the Olmec. This is the only known example from outside the Olmec heartland. Seventeen monumental stone representations of human heads sculpted from large basalt boulders have been unearthed in the region to date. In fact, the name "Olmec" is an Aztec word that means "rubber people," as described by Khan Academy, implying that the Olmec may have been among the first to figure out to harden and shape latex from rubber trees. When the Olmec culture went into decline, it didn't disappear entirely. 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. Grove, David C. "Cerros Sagradas Olmecas." Minster, Christopher. No one is certain the end of the Olmecs civilization. Mary Harrsch (Photographed at the Dallas Museum of Art) (Copyright). Photo credit: Ruben Charles, (http://www.rubencharles.com) CC 2.5 They lived in the tropical lowlands of south-central Mexico, in the present-day states of Veracruz and Tabasco, and had their center in the city of La Venta. The watery underworld was the realm of the Fish Monster, and the Skies were the home of the Bird Monster. The Olmec likely grew crops such as: Unfortunately, there is no surviving direct account of Olmec beliefs, but their notable artwork provide clues about their life and religion. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike. Mexico: From the Olmecs to the Aztecs. Archaeologists are still collecting clues that will unravel the mystery of what caused the decline towards the end of the Olmecs civilization of this powerful civilization. The Olmec were talented stonemasons, who built structures and aqueducts. The Olmec were the first major civilization in Central America, also known as Mesoamerica. The Olmec had religion and a mythology, and the people would gather near the ceremonial centers to watch their priests and rulers perform ceremonies. The Olmec civilization was located in southeastern Mexico along the coast near the Gulf of Mexico. Arts & Culture There were eight different androgynous Olmec deities, each with its own distinct characteristics. Struggles for control of this rich but limited farmland resulted in a dominant landowning class that shaped the first great Mesoamerican civilization, the Olmec. The Olmec had been relying on a diet of beans, squash, corn, and . 6th Edition. The Olmec had a well-developed religion, complete with an interpretation of the cosmos and several gods. timelineTypesChecked.push(this.value); One other major discovery the Olmec are known for is their massive colossal heads. San Lorenzo Tenochtitln The Olmecs were a Neolithic culture, and agricultural surpluses also allowed for a class of artisans to emerge. A series of powerful rulers likely governed the civilization. Following Toltec decline, a further period of unrest in the Late Postclassic Period lasted until 1428, when the Aztec defeated the rival city of Azcapotzalco and became the dominant force in central Mexico. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/Olmec_Civilization/. Arqueologa Mexicana Vol XV - Num. Around 900 B.C.E., San Lorenzo began to decline in prominence. The Olmecs did, however, codify and record their gods and religious practices using symbols. Other human actions, such as over farming or destroying forests for agriculture could well have played a role as well. "Olmec" is the Nahuatl (Aztec language) word for "rubber people." They were named for their remarkable ability to produce rubber thousands of years before the process of vulcanization was developed. The Tuxtlas Mountains rise sharply in the north, along the Gulf of Mexicos Bay of Campeche. The Olmec created intricate sculptures made from the volcanic stone basalt, jade, and ceramics. - The Maya civilization is born, as the people become more organized and corporate among themselves. The idea of the temple-pyramid seems to have taken root during this period. London: Thames and Hudson, 2004. Early Ritual Spaces. World History Encyclopedia is a non-profit organization. Archaeologists have also speculated that the Olmecs may have practiced ritual bloodletting and human sacrifice. Summary Who Were the Olmecs? When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. The Olmecs are the lesser-known cousins to the Aztec and Maya, and predate them as the oldest Mesoamerican civilization on record. and lasted until about 400 B.C.E. why were the Olmecs called the "mother culture"? The Olmec were the first great Mesoamerican civilization. | Privacy Policy | Contact Us | DMCA Notice, This website uses cookies to improve your experience. It is one o two major Olmec cities throughout their existence. 1) Pool, Christopher A. (2020, October 2). La Cobata was not a cultural center and its location near the source of the basalt used for the heads has led archaeologists to believe that this colossal head was unfinished and abandoned before transport to its intended destination. This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon this content non-commercially, as long as they credit the author and license their new creations under the identical terms. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. The word Olmec is a Nahuatl word from the later Aztec Civilization (1428-1521 CE). World History Encyclopedia. "The Decline of the Olmec Civilization." Select: all / none. ASKING MORE AND BETTER QUESTIONS: OLMEC ARCHAEOLOGY FOR THE NEXT KATUN. Ancient Mesoamerica, vol. The Olmec civilizationwas named after the Aztec word for their descendants, who inhabited Olman, or the "land of rubber." The Olmec seemed to have roots in early farming cultures, which began between 5100 BC and 4600 BC. The precise significance of this record is much debated but, at the very least, its complexity does suggest some sort of organised religion involving a priesthood. As agricultural productivity improved, the rudiments of civilization emerged during the period designated by archaeologists as the Early Formative (1500900 bce). Your email address will not be published. The Olmecs existed at a time when maize agriculture had first developed, which stabilized and increased their economy - a transformative shift in the development of Mesoamerican civilization. 24152. Rulers & Politics Ancient Mesoamerica (modern-day Mexico and Central America) witnessed Jade was a highly-esteemed material in many Mesoamerican cultures Turquoise was a highly-prized material in ancient Mesoamerica Olmec Art | Essay | The Metropolitan Museum of Art | Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. The prosperous years of the Olmecs laid a strong foundation for the Mayan civilization and the Zapotec culture. Philosophy & Religion and the Olmec civilization vanished along with it. The Olmec population declined sharply between 400 and 350 BCE, though it is unclear why. Olmec Civilization. Olmec. The area is about 125 miles long and 50 miles wide (200 by 80 km), with the Coatzalcoalcos River . 20, no. These are not the names the Olmec knew them by: their original names have been lost to time. The Olmecs flourished for the next 1200 years, spreading throughout southern, western, and central Mexico and present-day Guatemala. "El Complejo A: La Venta, Tabasco" Arqueologa Mexicana Vol XV - Num. It has been speculated that the Olmecs derived in part from the neighboring Mokaya or Mixe-Zoque cultures. Minster, Christopher. The enormous stone heads often have similar features, like fleshy and partially open lips, heavy eyelids, and prominent chins. People lived in small agricultural villages outside of urban centers, which were mainly for ceremonial use. However, none of the heads are alike, and each boasts a unique headdress, which suggests they represent specific individuals. Afterwards, La Venta became the chief cultural center until its abandonment around 400 BCE. Other human actions, such as overexploitation of agriculture or the destruction of forests for agriculture, could also have played a role. Internal strife is also a possibility. Standing at nearly 112 ft tall, it was the largest Mesoamerican structure at the time. This sculpture is typical of the colossal heads of the Olmec. ), with a population of about 18,000 at its highest point. The heads date from at least before 900 BCE and are a distinctive feature of the Olmec civilization. Starcevic / Getty Images Table of Contents Sources Teotihuacan is an ancient Mesoamerican city located 30 miles (50 km) northeast of modern-day Mexico City. The colossal heads range in size from 6-11 feet tall and in weight from six to 40-50 tons at the heaviest. Today, even though the Olmec themselves are long gone, their impact on the world, as one of the six original cradles of civilization, remains intact. What is known is that it likely occurred in waves as sites were gradually abandoned. The Maya, for example, brought astronomy, mathematics, calendar making, and hieroglyphic writing, as well as monumental architecture, to their highest expression in the New World. During the Early Formative Period (1500-900 BCE), San Lorenzo became an importanttrading centerthat further enriched the Olmec Civilization. For example, the Bird Monster was depicted as a harpy eagle associated with rulership. jsQueue(()=>{ Olmec Civilization. Perhaps the most significant jade carving is the Kunz Axe, a ceremonial axe-head now in the American Museum of Natural History in New York. These changes may have been triggered by the silting up of rivers due to agricultural practices. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. In addition, crucial rivers may have faced siltation due to the Olmec agricultural practices, including slash and burn tactics that exposed the area to increased soil erosion. The Olmecs influenced the civilizations they came into contact with across Mesoamerica, particularly in sculpture in ceramic and jade and objects featuring Olmec imagery have been found at Teopantecuanitlan, 650 km distant from the Olmec heartland. How did the Treaty of Greenville Affect Native Americans? An ancient Mesoamerican civilization located in Oaxaca Valley, Mexico. Photo source: Wikimedia Commons, Copyright 2021-2023 CleverlySMART. However, they theorize that the tablet could have had legal, commercial, or religious use. Although descendants of the Olmecs still lived in the area, the culture itself has died out. 2600 B.C. But they didnt disappear entirely. However, at this site, as well as in the Valley of Mexico, the Olmec presence can be widely detected. Pottery, which had appeared in some areas of the region as early as 2300 bce, perhaps introduced from Andean cultures to the south, took on varied and sophisticated forms. The drug in question is thought to be cocaine, though tests are still being carried out. Privacy Policy. Decomposed Body Stain of Margaret Schilling, Virginia Oldoni, the Most Photographed Woman in History, The Oregon Trail and the Colonization of the United States, (In Pics) Six Pieces of Medieval Art which tell Half-Forgotten Stories, A New Way of Thinking: the Wounds of Phineas Gage, Lost in Time or Lost in Suffolk? "The Olmecs: America's First Civilization." Five people of different nationalities were arrested on board and taken to the city of La Paz in . More cities would gradually emerge, with La Venta and Tres Zapotes the most significant among them. Jades, sculptures, and pottery in the Olmec style and with distinctly Olmec motifs were no longer created. They were also talented sculptors, sculpting stunning colossal heads without the use of metal tools. The fertile area allowed the early Olmec society to grow corn and beans so plentifully that it led to agricultural surpluses. Interested in reaching out? Minster, Christopher. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/26309240. Built by the Olmecs, the first major Mesoamerican civilization (a group famous for other firsts, like chocolate and the use of for sports), the pyramid dates to between 1000 B.C. Around 400 BC, the great Olmec city of La Venta went into decline, taking with it the classical Olmec era. Internal conflicts are also a possibility. You may also like: Clovis People and their Culture. La Venta was also a mighty city, with thousands of citizens and far-reaching influence in the Mesoamerican world. These include jade, obsidian, serpentinite, basalt, and trade goods like feathers, pelts, and seashells. There was a priest class and a ruling class who lived privileged lives in the higher parts of the cities. Books At the same time, Teotihuacn, in the Valley of Mexico, became the capital of a political and commercial empire encompassing much of Mesoamerica. Over the next 500 years, they migrated north toward a city dubbed Tres Zapatos, carrying on the tradition of their forebears while continuing to develop their writing and awareness of astronomy. It thrived along Mexico's Gulf coast from approximately 1200 - 400 B.C. Numerous educational institutions recommend us, including Oxford University. They were the first Mesoamerican civilization and laid many of the foundations for the civilizations that followed, such as the Maya. It is primarily known throughthe study of their architecture and stone carvings. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. In his work at the archaeological site of Ceibal in Guatemala, he has unearthed evidence for a more complex origin story. These were carved in basalt and all display unique facial features so that they may be considered portraits of actual rulers. Gonzalez Tauck, Rebecca B. The Olmecs ( / lmks, ol -/) were the earliest known major Mesoamerican civilization. In the early 21st century some 30 Mayan languages were spoken by more than five million people, most of whom were bilingual in Spanish. These artifacts make La Venta one of the most important archaeological sites in pre-Classical Mesoamerica. An Illustrated Dictionary of the Gods and Symbols of Ancient Mexico and the Maya. Succeeding cultures such as the Zapotec, Maya, and Aztec all utilized the Olmecs numerous discoveries and cultural contributions in a variety of ways. They also, no doubt, gathered the plentiful local supply of plant food, palm nuts and sea-life, including turtles and clams. With the fall of La Venta came the end of classic Olmec culture. In addition to their artwork, historians believe the Olmec created the first pyramid in the Americas. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. These are not the original names the Olmec knew them by: those names have been lost to time. They also likely had gardens, in which the Olmec would grow medicinal herbs and small crops, like sunflowers. As a result, they provide archaeologists a partial understanding ofOlmec religious beliefs. Olmec Head at the Xalapa Anthropology Museum. These massive stone heads, thought to represent rulers, stand several feet high and weigh many tons. Pre-Olmec cultures had flourished in the area since about 2500 BCE, but by 16001500 BCE, Early Olmec culture had emerged. Jim R. is a writer living in Los Angeles. Write your answer. Archaeological excavations discovered several items not native to the region. San Lorenzo remained the Olmec capital up until about 900 BCE, when the central city became La Venta, which remained functional until the demise of the Olmec around 400 BCE. The Olmec are best known as the mother culture of Mesoamerica. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. $('#timeline_types_input').attr('value',timelineTypesChecked.join(',')); La Venta becomes the Olmec capital. Swamps and a thick jungle canopy with hot and humid temperatures covered the area. First was the earth, where they lived, and it was represented by the Olmec Dragon. Olmec culture was greatly influential on later societies, such as the Maya and the Aztec. Most agriculture took place outside of the villages in fields cleared using slash-and-burn techniques. [5] The view was espoused in the early 20th century by Leo Wiener and others. An additional monument, at Takalik Abaj in Guatemala, is a throne that may have been carved from a colossal head. Cartwright, Mark. Little is known about Olmec religion, though scholars believe there were eight main deities. They subsequently became a dominant agricultural and trading power. Carved around 900 BCE, the Cascajal Block contains 62 glyphs in 28 different patterns. War(fare) & Battles New York: Thames and Hudson, 2008. $('.chk_timeline_types:checked').each(function(elem) { For this reason, identifiable gods from Olmec art have been given numbers instead of names (e.g. Zoos, botanical gardens, and markets buzz with . 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. what did the zapotec eat. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/26309240. Accept Read More. They had their own religion, with a class of priests and at least eight identifiable gods. Most likely, the Olmec religion believed in a cosmos consisting of three parts: the Underworld, the Earth, and the Sky. Find more answers Ask your question Related questions When did the olmec civilization begin and end?. Check out our timeline of the history of the United States for a great place to start and navigate through American history! The year is 1450. Archaeologist Peter Joralemon has identified at least eight distinct Olmec deities. The chief region of the Olmec faced severe depopulation around this time as the people either died off or left the region to other nearby emerging civilizations such as the Maya and Zapotec. Specify between which dates you want to search, and what keywords you are looking for. "The Olmec." The Olmec culture was Mesoamerica's first great civilization. 2, 2009, pp. The recently-discovered Cascajal Block features a total of 62 glyphs and dates back to between 1200-900 BCE; although it is unsure whether this is the earliest form of writing or rather a special arrangement of symbols.2. 500 BCE to 900 CE. pre-Olmec relics were being created at San Lorenzo, where the Ojoch, Bajo, and Chichrras cultures would eventually develop into the Olmec. The Olmec flourished during Mesoamericas formative period, dating roughly from as early as 1500 BCE to about 400 BCE. Archaeologists are unsure whether these cities were merely cultural centers with few permanent residents or if they housed a significant number of people. The discovery of a colossal head at Tres Zapotes in the 19th century spurred the first archaeological investigations of Olmec culture by Matthew Stirling in 1938. Many thrones, colossal heads, and other major pieces of Olmec art have been found at La Venta. Decline of the Olmec and the Epi-Olmec Civilization: Minster, Christopher. In the subsequent Late Formative and Classic periods, lasting until about 700900 ce, the well-known Maya, Zapotec, Totonac, and Teotihuacn civilizations developed distinctive variations on their shared Olmec heritage. In exchange for goods such as cacao and crocodile skins, they passed along finely crafted artwork of signature Olmec style, that often incorporated highly stylized human faces. The period known as the Middle Formative (900300 bce), during which the La Venta urban complex rose and flourished, was one of increased cultural regionalism. The Olmec were the first major civilization in Mexico. Some Rights Reserved (2009-2023) under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike license unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, drawing, his dog, and makinglists of his favorite things. Sculptors would then carve the colossal heads out of a single boulder, which can be up to three meters tall. The Olmec culture is thought to have ended around 400 B.C. Why did the ancient Olmec civilization disappear? Although these sculptures purpose is also unknown, archaeologists have theorized that they represent Olmec rulers or possibly players of the Mesoamerican ball game. Olmec is the Nahuatl (Aztec language) word for rubber people. They were named for their remarkable ability to produce rubber thousands of years before the process of vulcanization was developed. In addition to corn, crops included beans, squashes, chili peppers, and cotton. Diehl, Richard A. The Olmec Civilization, located in ancient Mexico, prospered in Pre-Classical (Formative) Mesoamerica from c. 1200 BCE to c. 400 BCE. Migration & Trade The Olmecs are probably best known for the statues they carved: 20 ton stone heads, quarried and carved to commemorate their rulers. Please note that some of these recommendations are listed under our old name, Ancient History Encyclopedia. The Olmecs are most known for theircolossal heads, with seventeen stone sculptures discovered to date. Humans have been present in Mesoamerica from as early as 21,000 bc; a shift from hunting and gathering to agriculture, which began c. 7000 bc as the climate warmed with the end of the Ice Age, was completed by c. 1500 bc. Here the Olmec constructed permanent city-temple complexes at San Lorenzo Tenochtitln, La Venta, Tres Zapotes, and Laguna de los Cerros. Archaeologists have found seventeen different colossal heads found across four significant Olmec sites so far, with a possible eighteenth at a separate site. 87 (Sept-Oct 2007). World History Foundation is a non-profit organization registered in Canada. "The Decline of the Olmec Civilization." The abundance of food allowed the population to flourish. Olmec hollow baby figurine. Though it paled in comparison to the tallest buildings in the ancient world, it was still a significant feat, especially without utilizing draft animals or technology such as the wheel. Little is known about Olmec religion, though scholars believe there were eight main deities. The submarine measures 26 metres long and was found on Tuesday 27 June. The Decline of the Olmec Civilization. Although the Olmec had a writing system of sorts, no Olmec books have survived to modern day. Coe, Michael D and Rex Koontz. "Olmec Civilization." Cities & Buildings 2009-2021 Historic Mysteries. These floodplains served as extremely fertile land for farming practices. Miller, Mary and Karl Taube. Remains of the last capital of the Olmec society, La Venta, include this religious site where elites most likely performed rituals. Many of the intellectual achievements of the Olmecs, such as a writing system and a calendar, were eventually adapted and improved upon by these other cultures. P. 30-35. Intriguingly, the Olmecs often buried their sculptures, even larger pieces, perhaps in a ritual act of memory. On a more ghastly note, evidence suggests that the Olmec practiced both human sacrifice and cannibalism. In the early 1990s, construction workers building a road in Veracruz discovered an ancient serpentinite tablet calledthe Cascajal Block. The Olmecs relied on a handful of crops for their basic livelihood, including corn, squash and sweet potatoes. The Epi-Olmec culture is a link of sorts between the classic Olmec and the Veracruz Culture, which would begin to thrive to the north of the Olmec lands about 500 years later. The jury is still out on whether the Olmec have the oldest dated writing system in Mesoamerica. The former name of a region in the Central America including Central Mexico to Honduras that flourished before colonialism. $('.chk_timeline_types').change(function() { The Gulf of Mexicos lowlands are generally considered the birthplace of the Olmec culture, and remained the heartland of this civilization during its existence. 2, 2009, pp. Archaeologists have discovered two great Olmec cities: San Lorenzo and La Venta, in the present-day Mexican states of Veracruz and Tabasco respectively. Submit Still have questions? World History Encyclopedia, 04 Apr 2018. Complex A, a religious complex located in the royal compound at La Venta, is one of the most important ancient Olmec sites. The Olmecs also made countless smaller pieces, including celts, figurines, and masks. Aztecs. It was probably a combination of natural ecological changes and human actions. The decline of the Olmec population from 400350 BCE may have been due to environmental changes. What is the Olmec Civilization Known for? Olmec Stone MaskJade Koekoe (CC BY-NC-SA). World History Foundation is a non-profit organization registered in Canada. Because this civilization declined two thousand years before the first Europeans arrived in the region, no one is absolutely certain of the factors that led to the declined of the Olmecs civilization. The ruler often wears a protective helmet (from war or the ballgame) and sometimes show the subject with jaguar paws hanging over the forehead, perhaps representing a jaguar pelt worn as a symbol of political and religious power. Minster, Christopher. Although Tres Zapotes never reached the grandeur of San Lorenzo or La Venta, it nevertheless was the most important city of its time. Another theory for the considerable population drop relates to tectonic upheavals or subsidence, as suggested by Santley and colleagues who propose relocation of settlements due to volcanism, instead of extinction. 2023 Khan Academy The Olmec Google Classroom Overview: The Olmec lived along the Gulf Coast of Mexico in the modern-day Mexican states of Tabasco and Veracruz. Updates? Although researchers believe the block follows grammar and syntax rules, they cannot yet decipher these glyphs. Judging from the available archeological evidence it is likely that they originated the Mesoamerican ballgame and possible that they practiced ritual bloodletting. Many believe that Olmec culture is the"cradle"of Mesoamerican culture, despite this, there is much mystery and unanswered questions that historians can not understand. Modern historians credit this culture with innovations such as the first writing system in the western hemisphere, the calendar, the mathematical concept of zero, and theMesoamerican rubber ball game.