* Access to water for drinking, irrigation, and transportation: The Olmecs lived in the tropical lowlands of Mesoamerica, where rivers and streams were abundant. This allowed them to easily access water for drinking, irrigation, and transportation. The Olmecs were skilled hydraulic engineers and built extensive canal systems to control water flow and irrigate their crops.
* Fertile soil for agriculture: The river basins and floodplains of Mesoamerica were rich in fertile soil, which was ideal for agriculture. The Olmecs were skilled farmers and grew a variety of crops, including maize, beans, squash, and cacao.
* Transportation and trade: The rivers and streams of Mesoamerica provided the Olmecs with an efficient means of transportation. They used canoes to transport goods and people and established trade networks with other cultures in the region.
Maya:
* Access to water for drinking, irrigation, and transportation: The Maya lived in the tropical lowlands and highlands of Mesoamerica, where water was essential for survival. They built extensive water storage systems, including reservoirs, canals, and cisterns, to ensure a reliable water supply. The Maya also used water for irrigation, which allowed them to grow crops during the dry season.
* Fertile soil for agriculture: The Maya lived in areas with fertile soil, which was ideal for agriculture. They grew a variety of crops, including maize, beans, squash, and cacao.
* Transportation and trade: The rivers and lakes of Mesoamerica provided the Maya with an efficient means of transportation. They used canoes to transport goods and people and established trade networks with other cultures in the region. The Maya also built extensive road networks, which allowed them to travel overland.