Please read the following passage and answer the questions.

Please highlight or underline in different

colors the evidence to your answers from the passage.

Olmecs

Both the Maya and the Aztecs were influenced by the Olmec civilization, the earliest known civilization in
Mesoamerica. Mesoamerica is the region that is now Mexico and Central America. In pre-Columbian times, it was the
most densely populated region of the Americas. The Olmec lived along the Gulf Coast of modern-day Mexico in tropical
rain forests and lowlands from around 1200 BCE to 400 BCE. Sculptures and temples indicate that kings or priests led the
Olmec society. This focus on religious leadership influenced later civilizations in the region. At former religious centers
characterized by pyramid-shaped temples, giant stone heads weighing 10 tons stood up to 11 feet tall. The Olmec also
developed a form of writing, as well as a calendar. Through their trade networks, the Olmec were able to spread many
characteristics of their culture, religion, architecture, and social structure spread north to the Valley of Mexico and
around Central America.

1. What regions are considered to be Mesoamerica?

2. Where and when did the Olmecs live?

3. What are two things that the Olmecs developed?

4. What characteristics were spread by the Olmecs? Where did they spread to?

Please read the following passage and answer the questions. Please highlight or underline in different
colors the evidence to your answers from the passage.

Olmecs

Both the Maya and the Aztecs were influenced by the Olmec civilization, the earliest known civilization in
Mesoamerica. Mesoamerica is the region that is now Mexico and Central America. In pre-Columbian times, it was the
most densely populated region of the Americas. The Olmec lived along the Gulf Coast of modern-day Mexico in tropical
rain forests and lowlands from around 1200 BCE to 400 BCE. Sculptures and temples indicate that kings or priests led the
Olmec society. This focus on religious leadership influenced later civilizations in the region. At former religious centers
characterized by pyramid-shaped temples, giant stone heads weighing 10 tons stood up to 11 feet tall. The Olmec also
developed a form of writing, as well as a calendar. Through their trade networks, the Olmec were able to spread many
characteristics of their culture, religion, architecture, and social structure spread north to the Valley of Mexico and
around Central America.

1. What regions are considered to be Mesoamerica?

2. Where and when did the Olmecs live?

3. What are two things that the Olmecs developed?

4. What characteristics were spread by the Olmecs? Where did they spread to?