The Olmecs live in the marshy plain that borders the Gulf of Mexico . They do not practice animal husbandry and depend entirely on crops . Farmers mainly grow maize, but also beans, squash, peppers and avocados.
AROUND 1200 BC. AD
The Olmecs build San Lorenzo:
They begin to erect temples dedicated to their gods in a place called San Lorenzo .
AROUND 900 B.C. AD
Destruction of San Lorenzo:
A new place of worship is born in La Venta . Religious ceremonies take place near mosaics drawn on the ground with clay stones colours. When the mosaic is finished, it is immediately buried, because it is too sacred to be looked at. The sacred ball game is part of the religious rites of the Olmecs. Players use a hard rubber ball and wear helmets to protect their heads. Some may be sacrificed at the end of the game.
Huge head sculpts:
The Olmecs are best known for the huge stone heads which they carved. Some are almost 3 m high. Experts believe they may represent Olmec rulers.
AROUND 400 B.C. AD
End of the Olmec Civilization:
The temples of La Venta are abandoned. The Olmec civilization disappears , but their way of life influenced many later cultures.