Olmec Civilization and Culture

The video explores the Olmec civilization, an ancient Mesoamerican culture known for its significant contributions to trade, military, and cultural practices. Despite their mysterious disappearance, the Olmecs laid the foundation for later civilizations like the Maya and Aztecs. Key discoveries include their cities, San Lorenzo and La Venta, and their innovations in trade networks, military technology, and cultural practices such as pyramid building and the Mesoamerican calendar. The video encourages further exploration of the Olmecs' lasting impact on history.

Which ancient civilization is known for ruling Mesoamerica through trade rather than conquest?

• Incas

• Olmecs

• Maya

• Aztecs

What did archaeologists discover in the 1800s that led to the identification of the Olmec civilization?

• Gold artifacts

• Jade sculptures with jaguar-like features

• Ancient manuscripts

• Pyramids

Which city is believed to have been the first major center of Olmec power and culture?

• San Lorenzo

• Teotihuacan

• La Venta

• Tenochtitlan

Around what year did the Olmec city of La Venta become the cultural center?

• 1500 BCE

• 1200 BCE

• 900 BCE

• 400 BCE

What was the primary source of power for the Olmec civilization?

• Religion

• Trade

• Agriculture

• Military conquests

What significant military innovation is attributed to the Olmecs?

• Slingshots

• Chariots

• Bronze weapons

• Crossbows

What was the primary reason the Olmecs started their trade network?

• To conquer neighboring tribes

• To spread their religion

• To obtain obsidian for tools and weapons

• To become wealthy

What sport, still popular today, did the Olmecs contribute to Mesoamerican culture?

• Soccer

• Basketball

• Tennis

• Baseball

Which structure is the Olmec civilization credited with being the first to build in Mesoamerica?

• Palaces

• Temples

• Pyramids

• Amphitheaters

What is the name of the calendar system that the Olmecs likely contributed to?

• Mesoamerican Long Count Calendar

• Lunar Calendar

• Julian Calendar

• Gregorian Calendar