How were the Olmec able to support a civilization and cities? (1 point) Responses by implementing heavy taxes to raise public funds for each community by implementing heavy taxes to raise public funds for each community by constructing residential dwellings for the growing populations in cities by constructing residential dwellings for the growing populations in cities by cultivating a surplus of food that could feed a large population by cultivating a surplus of food that could feed a large population by developing a system of roadways to connect different communities

by cultivating a surplus of food that could feed a large population

The Olmec were able to support a civilization and cities by cultivating a surplus of food that could feed a large population.

To understand how the Olmec were able to support a civilization and cities, we can examine the options provided and find the correct answer.

Option 1: Implementing heavy taxes to raise public funds for each community. While taxes can certainly help raise funds for a community, there is no specific evidence or historical information suggesting that the Olmec relied heavily on taxation as a means of support.

Option 2: Constructing residential dwellings for the growing populations in cities. This is certainly a possibility as cities require housing for their residents. However, constructing dwellings alone would not be sufficient to support a civilization and its cities.

Option 3: Cultivating a surplus of food that could feed a large population. This option seems more plausible, as sustaining a large population requires a stable food supply. By creating a surplus of food through agricultural practices such as farming and irrigation, the Olmec would have been able to support their civilization and cities.

Option 4: Developing a system of roadways to connect different communities. While roadways are important for communication and trade between communities, they alone cannot support a civilization and its cities.

Based on the analysis, the most likely answer is cultivating a surplus of food that could feed a large population. By producing more food than was necessary for immediate consumption, the Olmec could sustain larger populations in their cities and support their civilization.