Write 3–5 sentences investigating the cultural, political, technological, and economic changes and continuities between the Olmec and Mayan civilizations.
The Olmec civilization, which thrived from around 1200 BCE to 400 BCE, laid the foundation for several cultural and technological developments that were later adopted and expanded upon by the Mayan civilization. Both civilizations were deeply rooted in agriculture and relied on it as their economic backbone. Additionally, both civilizations engaged in extensive trade networks, indicating their economic interconnectedness with neighboring regions. The continuity between the two civilizations can be observed in their similar religious beliefs and practices, including the worship of jaguars and creation myths centered around maize. Finally, both the Olmec and Mayan civilizations built impressive city-states and monumental architecture, showcasing their advanced architectural and engineering skills.
