Olmec Introduction

The Olmec were an ancient civilization that lived in America believed to exist between 1500 and 200 B.C. Specifically, they lived in the areas around La Venta, Tres Zapotes, San Lorenzo, and Laguna de los Cerros of Mexico. They lived a simple life and built exquisite sculptures. The word OLMEC is derived from the Nahuatl--the language spoken by early Aztecs--meaning either Dwellers of the Rubber Land or Mouth of the Jaguar.