Classical Antiquity
Olmec Civilization
1500 BC – 400 BC · peak 900 BC
The Olmec civilization (c. 1500–400 BC) flourished in the Gulf lowlands of Mexico, especially at San Lorenzo and La Venta. It is known for colossal basalt heads, ceremonial complexes, and exchange networks in jade, obsidian and rubber. Many Olmec religious and iconographic elements influenced later Mesoamerican cultures.
Capital: San Lorenzo / La Venta
Battles in this period
Trade routes in use
- Amber Road (1500 BC – 500 AD)
- Incense Route (1000 BC – 400 AD)
- Persian Royal Road (500 BC – 300 BC)
- Phoenician Mediterranean Routes (1100 BC – 300 BC)