The Olmec Empire, which existed from approximately 1400 BCE to 400 BCE, ruled and interacted with its environment through a combination of centralized political control and utilization of the region's natural resources. The Olmecs established a network of city-states, where ruling elites exercised authority and organized economic activities. They employed sophisticated agricultural techniques, such as irrigation and terracing, to exploit the fertile floodplains of the rivers in the region. The Olmecs had a deep understanding of the local environment and its resources, which they exploited for economic gain, including the cultivation of maize, hunting, fishing, and the extraction of valuable materials like jade and obsidian. Additionally, the Olmecs were known for their monumental architecture, such as the construction of colossal stone heads, indicating a mastery of manipulating and working with the environment. Overall, the Olmec Empire managed and harnessed the resources of its environment to sustain its political and economic power.
