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Jan 1, 1200
Olmec
-First major civilization in Mexico
-Lived in the tropical lowlands of modern day states of Veracruze and Tabasco in south central Mexico
-era was between 1200-400 BC
-Artifacts were made from Jade, Obsidian, Magnetite
-Materials came from distant locations so suggests that early Olmecs had acess to extensive trading system.
-"Olmec" is an Aztec word applied to 16th century dwelers in the region -
Jan 2, 1200
San Lorenzo Tenochtilan
-collective name for three related archaeological sites-San Lorenzo, Tenoctitlan and Potrero Nuevo
-Major center of Olmec culture from 1200 to about 900 BC, fall is unknown
-Most famous for the find of the Colossal Stone Heads
-The greatest stone head weighs 28 tons or more, about 3 meters high
-Original names for San Lorenzo and La Venta are unknown -
Feb 9, 1300
La Venta
-Pre-Columbian archaeological site located in present day Tabasco
-Cvic and ceremonial center
-Great Pyrimid-never been excavated but speculations range from burned clay to buried offering to to a tomb
-Four Colossal Heads and Seven Basalt alters found
-Consensus is they were thrones whitch rulers were seated during important ceremonies or rituals
-Perhaps the largest Olmec city controlled by extreamly complex hierarchical system with a king
-Preists had power and influence over life and death -
Mar 10, 1350
El Entierro
-Several burial sites found at La Venta
-None had skeletal remains, enviroment too humid/ acidic soil
-Offerings of Jade Celts and figures are common place, likely concentrated in burials
-Jade earspools, beads, pendants, spangles, plaques, and other jewelry were found, but it's difficult to tell if they were worn or placed as burial goods -
Apr 9, 1400
La Religión y La Ideología
-Had gods, unsure what role each played
-8 repeatedly appear, archaeologists named them for their characteristics
-The Olmec Dragon
-The Bird Monster
-The Fish Monster
-The Banded-eye God
-The Maize God
-The Water God
-The Were-jaguar
-The Feathered Serpent
-Believed in three tiers of exixtence, physical realm, underworld and sky realm
-Influenced several later cultures like Aztec and Maya
-Human bones, especially infants, have been found at some archaeological site suggesting sacrafice -
Feb 9, 1450
La Agricultura
-Lived off the land and sea
-Deer, variety of small animals, seafood, many plants
-Crops, squash, beans, sweet potatos, maize, tomatoes
-Ellos domesticado perros
-Maize-muy importante- dios de maíz
