Decoding the mystery of the ancient Olmec civilization that shocked the archaeological world

New discoveries about the Olmec have sent shockwaves through the archaeological world: their true origins, giant head statues and mysterious ritual remains reveal the unseen.

Considered the “mother civilization” of Central America, the Olmec emerged around 1500 BC and laid the foundation for many cultural elements of the Maya, Aztec and later civilizations. Photo: Pinterest.

Famous for their colossal heads. The basalt statues, weighing up to 20–40 tons and depicting chiefs with distinctive helmets, are the Olmec's most iconic legacy. Photo: Pinterest.

The major centers were San Lorenzo and La Venta. These two cities were important political and ceremonial centers, with architecture, sacrificial grounds, and massive religious structures. Photo: Pinterest.

The Olmecs had a sophisticated artistic background. They created jade masks, animal statues and reliefs representing gods, demonstrating a high level of aesthetic appreciation. Photo: Pinterest.

Ritual practice with rubber balls. Balls made from natural rubber for ceremonial use may have been the precursor to the sacred ball game in Mesoamerican culture. Photo: Pinterest.

Worship of the mysterious jaguar god. Many carvings depict a human-jaguar hybrid, believed to be the Olmec god of rain or storms. Photo: Pinterest.

Trade flourished. The Olmecs traded jade, obsidian, cacao, and salt along long trade routes that connected many parts of ancient Mexico. Photo: Pinterest.

The collapse remains a mystery. The Olmec civilization's decline around 400 BC may have been due to environmental change, conflict or migration, but the reasons remain unclear. Photo: Pinterest.

Dear readers, please watch the video : Origin of civilization / VTV2

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