1. Early American
Civilizations
{ Social Studies for 9th E.G.B.
Teacher: Mauricio Torres

2.  Little is known about
this civilization, except
for the artifacts and
monuments they left
behind.
 Not even what type of
language they
spoke, even though
several theories have
flourished during time.
That is the reason why
the sites have Spanish
names.
A mystery: The Olmecs

3.  They first appeared in
the southern part of
México more than three
millenia ago.
 The terrain they settled
is very similar to all the
other river valley
civilizations of
antiquity: well watered
alluvial soil.
The Olmecs

4.  There structures showed spectacular
displays of power and wealth.
 Inside their “Great Pyramid” there
are many offerings stored, such as
pottery figurines and mirrors.
Opulence

5.  The artifacts found by
archaeologists, give us an idea, that
the luxurious materials used were
product of trade, throughout
Mesoamerica.
 These same artifacts have been
found all around
Mesoamerica, leading to believe
that trade was a fundamental part
of their culture.
Trade

6.  The Olmecs were first defined as
an art-style. Later on did
anthropologists realize they
actually were a full scale
civilization.
 Their crafts include naturalistic
figures as well as fantastic
beings made in jade, clay, basalt
and other materials.
 Their most recognized figures
were the Colossal Heads. There
is no record of why they were
crafted, which leads to much
Art speculation.

7.  They developed many things
throughout their existence:
 “Number zero” concept.
 Writing.
 Human sacrifice.
 Mesoamerican Calendar.
 Mesoamerican ballgame.
Innovative people

8.  No one knows for sure of their decline.
Evidence suggests internal strife, invasion or
natural disasters. But it happened maybe as
late as 400 BCE.
Decline

9.  Why don’t we have
much information on
this ancient
culture, even though
they left a lot of
evidence behind?
Ask Yourself

10.  Wikipedia. (2012, April). Wikipedia - Olmec.
(Various, Editor) Retrieved from Wikipedia:
www.wikipedia.org (with previous checking of
sources cited)
Bibliography