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The name Olmec is a Nahuatl word in Aztec language.It meant rubber people. They were called rubber people because they extracted latex from Panama rubber trees and mixed it with a local vine juice to create rubber.

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2. When did the Olmec Civilization exist?

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2. When did the Olmec Civilization exist?

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The Olmec Civilization was one of the older Latin American civilizations and came before the Maya and Aztecs. They prospered between 1200-400 BCE.

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3. Where was the Olmec Civilization located?

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3. Where was the Olmec Civilization located?

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Olmec civilization was along the Gulf of Mexico,  the people lived in the lowlands of the coast. Which are the Mexican states of Tabasco and Veracruz in today's world.

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4. What do we know about the Olmec Civilization?

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4. What do we know about the Olmec Civilization?

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Were the first civilization in Mexico. The Olmec Civilization were mainly known for their statues and art work. Made stone heads and carved them with materials such as jade, clay, basalt, and green stone.

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5. How were the Olmec people unique or skilled?

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5. How were the Olmec people unique or skilled?

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The Olmec people were very artistic. They created huge stone heads that were up to 3.5 meters tall. They also made rock painting and carving in the various caves which they used for religious rituals.

The Olmec Civilization were big exporters to other parts of Central America. They exported Obsidian, jade, serpentine, mica, rubber, pottery, feathers, and polished mirrors.

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8. Why is this civilization significant to our understanding of Latin America?

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8. Why is this civilization significant to our understanding of Latin America?

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Since they are one of the older Latin American civilizations, they could have been the roots for a lot of other cultures in Latin America. A lot of today's Latin American people could have traditions that date back to when the Olmec Civilizations prospered.

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6. What was the social structure of the Olmec Civilization?

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6. What was the social structure of the Olmec Civilization?

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Not much is known on the social structure of the Olmec People. However, it's believed that there were two groups of people. There were the common people who were farmers and the elite people who were the rulers, artisans, and craftsmen.

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7. What lead this Civilization to a collapse?

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7. What lead this Civilization to a collapse?

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The Olmec civilization collapsed between 400 BCE - 350 BCE when the population decreased rapidly. It's theorized that their water supply was significantly reduced due to drought and river blockages. They relied on the crop harvests for food, so an extended period without water would have been detrimental to their villages. Another theory is that there were volcanic eruptions which blanketed the region with ash and forced them to resettle. (or start over).