Olmecs
The Olmec civilization began on the shores of Mexico about 1200 B.C. Farming techniques of these people were still primitive. They could not grow enough food to support a large city. Instead everyone farmed, hunted, and fished to provide food for their immediate families. Families were scattered throughout the area living near the land they farmed.
Religion
The one thing that seemed to unite the Olmecs was their religion. They were the first people to construct huge buildings which they used as centers for their civilizations. Both these centers were not cities as we think of them today. They were huge religious centers where people came to worship from miles around. Not very much is known about the Olmec religion. Archaeologists believe the Olmecs must have worshiped the jaguar since pictures of this animal appear so frequently in their art. Realistic pictures of jaguars as well as figures that appear to be part-man and part-jaguar have been found. Theses images have flabby childlike bodies with cleft or deformed heads and snarling fanged mouths. From the figures left by the Olmecs we can gather that religion had a a big influence over their lives. Historians believe these people first worshiped the jaguar because of its strength and power. Over the years however fantasies developed and the animal began to take on supernatural traits. Finally a sort of "werejaguar" developed. Although the unearthing of Olmec figures tells us this religion an culture spread from Mexico to Guatemala and Honduras it is not known how this religion was spread. It could gave been spread by colonists, merchants, or missionarys.
Three religious centers
Three important Olmec sites have been discovered by archaeologists. They are San Lorenzo, La Venta, and Monte Alban. Each center was in a different type of location but all three are easily recognizes as Olmec by their sculptures.