Investigate how the Maya and the Olmec showed continuity economically. (1 point)
• They both traded limestone.
• They both farmed corn.
• They both had money systems.
• They both farmed cacao.
To investigate how the Maya and the Olmec showed continuity economically, we need to analyze the provided information about their economic activities. The following steps can be taken:
1. Research the trade practices of the Maya and the Olmec: Start by gathering information on the trading activities of both civilizations. Look for evidence of trade routes, goods traded, and any documented trade agreements or practices. Focus on determining whether they had a significant trade of limestone and cacao.
2. Explore the agricultural practices of the Maya and the Olmec: Investigate the agricultural methods used by both civilizations, paying special attention to their cultivation of corn. Look for evidence of corn farming techniques, agricultural tools, and any cultural significance attached to corn.
3. Study the monetary systems of the Maya and the Olmec: Examine the monetary systems of both civilizations to determine their similarities. Look for evidence of currency, trade in precious metals or objects, and monetary exchange practices. Investigate whether both civilizations had established money systems.
By conducting research on these topics, you can gather information that will help you understand how the Maya and the Olmec showed continuity economically. Remember to critically evaluate the sources you consult for accuracy and reliability.
The Maya and the Olmec showed continuity economically through various factors:
1. Trade: Both the Maya and the Olmec engaged in extensive trade networks. One of the commodities they traded was limestone, which was used for construction and as a building material. This trade not only provided access to important resources but also facilitated cultural exchange and contact.
2. Agriculture: Both the Maya and the Olmec relied heavily on agriculture as their primary economic activity. Corn, or maize, was a significant staple crop for both civilizations. It provided sustenance for their populations and was a crucial component of their economies.
3. Money Systems: Both the Maya and the Olmec had developed complex money systems. These systems involved the use of specific commodities as a form of currency or medium of exchange. In the Maya civilization, cacao beans had intrinsic value and were widely used as currency, while the Olmec had a similar system based on items like jade, pottery, and obsidian.
4. Cacao Cultivation: Both civilizations cultivated cacao, which was a critical economic endeavor. Cacao beans were used not only as a form of currency but also in the production of chocolate beverages. Cultivating and trading cacao provided economic opportunities for both societies.
These economic aspects demonstrate continuity between the Maya and the Olmec, indicating shared practices and the presence of similar economic systems.
The Maya and the Olmec showed continuity economically in several ways:
1. Trade of Limestone: Both the Maya and the Olmec engaged in trade of limestone. Limestone was an important resource used for construction purposes, such as building temples and monuments. Both civilizations had access to limestone quarries and traded it between their regions.
2. Farming Corn: Agriculture played a crucial role in the economies of both the Maya and the Olmec. Corn was a staple crop for both civilizations, and they relied heavily on corn as a source of sustenance. They developed advanced agricultural practices, including the cultivation of maize (corn), which ensured a stable food supply.
3. Money Systems: Both the Maya and the Olmec had established money systems. The Olmec civilization used the concept of "villages," where they exchanged goods and services using a barter system. In the case of the Maya, they had a more sophisticated money system that included various forms of currency, such as cocoa beans, jade, and textiles, which were used for trade and commerce.
4. Farming Cacao: The cultivation and consumption of cacao were common economic activities for both the Maya and the Olmec. Cacao beans were highly valued as a form of currency and were also used to make a variety of beverages. Both civilizations cultivated cacao and traded it within and beyond their regions.
These examples highlight the economic continuity between the Maya and the Olmec civilizations, characterized by the exchange of resources, agricultural practices, the development of money systems, and the cultivation of cacao.