Olmecs: The Founders of the American Civilization

Just a century before nobody knew the Olmecs. The name Olmec was completely unheard of. But today they are regarded as the precursors of the American civilization that came into full bloom with the Mayas.

Thanks to the intensive research by the archaeologists, the world knows quite a lot about the Mayas. But we hardly know anything about the Olmecs who influenced most of the Middle America from the 13thcentury till their disappearance 12 centuries later. If reasons for their downfall are unearthed then perhaps, our knowledge about the American Civilization will be more accurate and precise.

The civilization of Olmecs started at a very odd, unpromising territory – Gulf of Mexico. This low lying, swampy ground was covered with jungles and was often flooded. Despite such geographical shortcomings the Olmecs created the first accountable ceremonial centers of Middle America at this place. They not only created but lived harmoniously for 12 centuries.

Surprisingly, till now only four centers have been explored. These four sites are Laguna de los Ceros, San Lorenzo, Tres Zapates and La Venta. These areas are surrounded by forested plains which have many rubber trees. These rubber trees are called Ollin by the natives. Perhaps from Ollin was derived the name Olmec.

Archaeologists assume that la Venta must have been the largest religious center at the height of the Olmec civilization between 800-500 B.C. The architecture of this area foreshadows the town planning of pre-Columbian Mexico. Olmecs built a small stepped pyramid with a quadrangle in front of it. The four corners were edged with basalt pillars. Nearby this pyramid are the two parallel mounds which form the boundary of the oldest sacred ball game court in the Americas. This complex appears like a model of a large man-made volcano. The scholars believe that it must have been constructed to be used as burial ground.

Inside these complexes are the carved stone slabs with richly decorated altars and huge basalt heads. This indeed is the most striking art work of the Olmecs. The facial features of the heads are unique. The heads are flattened with thick heavy lips, drawn corners, short and broad nose and slit eyes. Such odd admixture of facial characteristics has even astonished anthropologists. They cannot establish their origin.

However, after seeing the remains one cannot question the Olmecs’ credentials as great sculptors. A green stone statue has been excavated in a Mexican village. This statue depicts a Virgin and a Child. In fact this statue is an eighth century B.C. Olmec carving as it shows a male figure carrying one of the Olmec Gods. Scholars assume that it must be the rain God.