How Did The Olmec Influence The Development Of Mesoamerican Civilization

The Olmec civilization is known as the “mother” of all Mesoamerican civilizations, this is because of how influential it was to the later civilizations that arose later during that time period. The Mesoamerican civilizations developed in Central America and Mexico, they were a counterpart of the Mesopotamian civilizations. The Mayas, the Olmec’s, the Zapotec and the Toltec’s are all defined as Mesoamerican civilizations. Yet, the most significant civilization in Mesoamerica before 1350 CE was the Olmec civilization because it was the first to develop in Mesoamerica and many of its elements influenced the future tribes.

The Olmec’s developed in the year 1400 BC. They were located in the tropical lowlands of Mexico, currently the states of Tabasco

Their beliefs consisted of gods, after-life, sacrifices and rituals. Because of the age of this particular civilization not a lot of evidence has been found about their religion and other elements. Yet, enough evidence has been found to be able to say that the Olmec’s were one of the civilizations that had its own religion. Most evidence of Gods in the Olmec tribe has been lost. Yet there have been enough sculptures and some art to be able to recognize at least 8 gods, they are known as; the Olmec Dragon (represents the Earth), the Bird Monster (represents the agriculture, skies, ruler ship and sun), the Fish Monster (represents the underworld), the Banded-eye God (it is not exactly known to why it was important but it can be found throughout a lot of art pieces from the Olmec’s), the Maize God (The corn god, represented farming), the Water God (represented water, lakes and rivers), the Were-Jaguar and the Feathered Serpent. Most of these gods were also present in other civilizations; the only difference would be that their names would change. The Olmec’s relied on the gods to have a good produce during the year and good weather, if this wasn’t happening the Olmec’s would often pray to the gods or even sacrifice people in order to get good weather and crops. This is why sacrifices were made, in order to get a favor form them they would give a life to pay for

Most of the lower class included farmers and generally the people who lived in the village. The upper class consisted of the rulers, and those who were part of the rulers / emperors family. This social structure was later used by mainly all of the Mesoamerican civilizations. It was one of the most influential elements of the Olmec civilization. Since the lowers class was the one who took care of the farming, you could say there were also in charge of the currency.

During the Mesoamerican civilizations period, the currency was mainly seeds, such as cocoa. But its system was really a “paying method.” It was more like a type of exchanging method. For example people would tend to exchange crops for different crops. This was mainly done by the females in the family. This currency system was not only used in the Olmec tribe, but in most of the Mesoamerican civilizations as well.

The Olmec’s elements were very significant throughout Latin history. They defined those from there and represent them. Thanks to their influences many Latin countries are the way they are. Our religion is based on theirs, our art, our social structure; we are who we are because of them. The most significant civilization in Mesoamerica before 1350 CE was the Olmec civilization because it was the first to develop in Mesoamerica and many of its elements influenced the future