Omlec Head Round About: image #1

The Olmecs were the first people of Mesoamerica to build pyramids. The development of pyramids in Mesoamerica by the Olmec civilization had a significant impact in that it was a central hub for religious aspects of their lives. The development of pyramids in Mesoamerica began around 1200 BCE. Mesoamerican pyramids were called ¨stepped pyramids¨ because they had a steep stairway ascending to a platform that was only opened to priests in order to perform religious rituals. Over time there has been evidence of pyramids in Mesoamerica storing tombs of kings and priests. There is also evidence of Mesoamericans using pyramids as a military defense in city states. This is doable because Mesoamerican pyramids commonly consisted of earth mounds covered in stone. The Olmec civilization built pyramids using a core base of rubble and earth, strong walls to hold the structure, and then covered layers of stucco and limestone all over. Overall the Olmec civilization built pyramids to ensure divine structure from the gods by performing ceremonial practices. 

 La Venta:

La Venta was the Olmec civilization capital in Mesoamerica. La Venta was a large activity center located near the Gulf coast in Tabasco, Mexico from 800-400 BC. The political and religious activities that went on in La Venta influenced the rise of social development over time. 

        Pyramids Impact:

The Olmec civilization had a great impact on later civilizations' cultural growth. Such as the indigenous people of Mesoamerica, the Mayans. The Mayans began to flourish in architecture around 100-900 CE. The Mayans settled in Southern Mexico, Guatemala, and northern Belize. Sooner than later they began to build sanctuaries, and by 200 CE they developed into cities with pyramids and temples. Just like the Olmec civilization, they too used limestone as a building stone. The Mesoamerican culture also had an influence on the temple mounds placed in the eastern United states. Based on the temple structure and groups of four around the plaza scholars came to the conclusion that temple mounds in eastern United States are connected to Mesoamericans. Due to eastern United States having similar art and mound concepts, scholars believe both were adapted by migration of people in Mesoamerica.