Olmecs

The Olmecs were the earliest major civilisation of Mesoamerica, flourishing in the Gulf Coast lowlands of southern Veracruz and Tabasco in Mexico from about 1200 to 400 BCE. Their centres, San Lorenzo, La Venta and Tres Zapotes, are known for colossal stone heads, jade carvings and early pyramids. Their art, religious imagery and ideas of rulership influenced later Mesoamerican cultures, including the Maya.