the olmecs

Which of the following best explains the role of monumental architecture, such as the colossal heads and the pyramid at La Venta, in Olmec society?

to pay tribute to rulers and perform religious rites

why did the olmec civilization end or why did they leave?

environmental changes like the silting of rivers and volcanic activity

olmec trading...

reached across much of mesoamerica

So far, all the evidence we have for Olmec civilization came from

archaeological evidence/sources

what was their biggest trade?

rubber

where was it located?

mexico

importance of them

influenced the mayans, first major civilization in mexico

did they have a writing system?

no, few writings found, some glyphs

what were its urban centers?

san lorenzo and la venta

what were the urban centers used for?

elite activities and ceremonial purposes

food production can best be described as?

horticulture

what agriculture technique did they use

slash and burn, in fields outside of villages

what were some crops they grew

maize, potatoes, beans, sweet potatoes, cotton, squash

what kind of religion did they have

Shamanism, rulers were shamans, anthropomorphic art and androgynous gods