The Olmecs (c. 1200–400 BCE) were Mesoamerica’s first major civilization, known for their colossal stone heads and rich cultural influence

They laid the foundation for later societies like the Maya and Aztecs, shaping religion, art, and architecture

Their writing system, possibly the earliest in the Americas, remains a subject of study

As pioneers of complex society in the region, they developed advanced agriculture, trade networks, and ceremonial centers that influenced generations to come.