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An ancient peoples of central Mexico from 1200 to 400 BC, probably the earliest people in the region. They resided mainly in [[Veracruz]], [[Tabasco]] and along the coast of the [[Gulf of Mexico]]. They had a written language, math, and calendars. <ref>[http://library.thinkquest.org/18778/olmec.htm thinkquest.org]</ref>  Some indication of their practicing human sacrifice has been inferred.  

An ancient peoples of central Mexico from 1200 to 400 BC, probably the earliest people in the region. They resided mainly in [[Veracruz]], [[Tabasco]] and along the coast of the [[Gulf of Mexico]]. They had a written language, math, and calendars.<ref>[http://library.thinkquest.org/18778/olmec.htm thinkquest.org]</ref>  Some indication of their practicing human sacrifice has been inferred.  

However, [[Minnesota State University]], holds to a more expansive  dateline for the Olmec, 1200 BC - 600 AD, when they were the most prevalent group in Mesoamerica and used irrigation in agriculture. <ref>[http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/prehistory/latinamerica/meso/cultures/olmec.html the Olmec]</ref>

However, [[Minnesota State University]], holds to a more expansive  dateline for the Olmec, 1200 BC - 600 AD, when they were the most prevalent group in Mesoamerica and used irrigation in agriculture.<ref>[http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/prehistory/latinamerica/meso/cultures/olmec.html the Olmec]</ref>

The exact timeline and extent of this culture is still being explored. A group of expert findings and near-current understanding are found at  <ref>[http://www.mesoweb.com/olmec/ mesoweb.com]</ref>

The exact timeline and extent of this culture is still being explored. A group of expert findings and near-current understanding are found at  <ref>[http://www.mesoweb.com/olmec/ mesoweb.com]</ref>

==Olmec or Maya==

==Olmec or Maya==

For many years the [[Maya]] were thought to be the "mother culture" of Mexico.  But further examination of existing artifacts, combined with radiocarbon dating, show the Olmec to have been active in the region hundreds of years earlier. <ref>[http://www.mesoweb.com/olmec/ mesoweb photos]</ref>  

For many years the [[Maya]] were thought to be the "mother culture" of Mexico.  But further examination of existing artifacts, combined with radiocarbon dating, show the Olmec to have been active in the region hundreds of years earlier.<ref>[http://www.mesoweb.com/olmec/ mesoweb photos]</ref>  

==references==

==References==

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[[category:Mexico]]

[[Category:Mexico]]

[[category:history]]

[[Category:History]]

[[category:ethnicities]]

[[Category:Ethnicities]]