Why is the olmec culture called the mother civiliization?

http://meta-religion.com/World_Religions/Ancient_religions/Central_america/olmec_civilization.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olmec_influences_on_Mesoamerican_cultures#Mother_culture

midd scholl

The Olmec culture is sometimes referred to as the "mother civilization" because it is considered one of the earliest and most influential Mesoamerican civilizations. The term "mother civilization" implies that it served as a cultural and artistic source of inspiration for future civilizations in the region.

To understand why the Olmec culture is called the "mother civilization," we can look into its historical significance and contributions. The Olmec civilization emerged around 1500 BCE and thrived until approximately 400 BCE in what is now modern-day Mexico. During this time, the Olmec people developed complex agricultural techniques, constructed impressive infrastructure, and made important advancements in art, religion, and governance.

One factor that contributes to the Olmec culture's significance is its influence on subsequent Mesoamerican civilizations. The Olmec established a number of cultural and artistic practices that would become prevalent among later societies, such as the Maya and Aztec. They were the first known civilization in Mesoamerica to create large-scale sculptures and monumental stone heads, which became iconic symbols of their culture. These artistic styles and techniques were expanded upon and adopted by future civilizations, making the Olmec a crucial cultural ancestor.

Additionally, the Olmec civilization laid the groundwork for various aspects of Mesoamerican society. They developed a form of hieroglyphic writing, practiced long-distance trade, and cultivated a sophisticated understanding of agriculture and engineering. These advancements helped set the stage for the complex societies that followed, making the Olmec a primary influencer and providing the groundwork for future civilizations to build upon.

Overall, the Olmec culture is called the "mother civilization" due to its pioneering influence on subsequent Mesoamerican civilizations and its foundational contributions to art, writing, trade, and other aspects of society.