Olmec Civilization (c. 1500 – 400 BCE)

The Olmec civilization, Mesoamerica's first major culture, is often called its "mother culture." Flourishing in the tropical lowlands, they are famed for their colossal stone head sculptures. They pioneered artistic and architectural styles, a complex calendar, and ritual ballgames that became foundational to all subsequent societies in the region, including the Maya and Aztec. Their influential legacy established the core traditions of ancient Mesoamerican civilization.