What are some of the accomplishments of the Olmecs, Mayan? Why are they considered to be advanced communities?
Read carefully. Also, be sure to check out any external links at the bottom of each webpage.
http://www.google.com/search?q=olmecs&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a
http://www.google.com/search?q=mayan&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a
Not having looked at those sites above, I can tell you that yes, the Mayans were an advanced civilization in Central America before the Spaniards arrived. They knew architecture and science. In fact, they had learned enough about astronomy to be able to invent a calendar. They were followed by the Toltecs, and then the Aztecs. Unfortunately very little remains of the Mayan civilization.
In contrast, the Olmecs were originally in the Gulf Coast region of Southern Mexico around 1200 and 1000 B.C., expanding into Guatemala. This society was very simple, mostly agricultural.
Sra