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Olmec civilisation
The Olmecs were an early major Mesoamerican civilisation on the Gulf Coast of Mexico, centred first at San Lorenzo and later at La Venta. They are known for colossal stone heads and influenced later Mesoamerican cultures. They are listed as a civilisation; no single Olmec state is documented.
Key facts
| Dates | c. 1200 – c. 400 BCE |
|---|---|
| Region | The Americas |
| Continent | Americas |
| Type | civilisation (not an empire or known state) |
| Capitals | San Lorenzo, La Venta |
| Religion(s) | Olmec religion |
Sources
Dates follow widely used reference works; many ancient dates are approximate or debated. Neutral summary for general reference.