Olmec civilization

Olmec civilization appears on the timeline as a people or culture of Gulf Coast and Oaxaca (Mesoamerica and Caribbean) from c. 1600 to 400 BCE, a span of 1,200 years. Its people spoke Mixe-Zoque languages (Olmec (probable), Epi-Olmec).

The first complex society of Mesoamerica, in the swamps of Veracruz and Tabasco. The Olmec carved colossal basalt heads, worked jade and played the rubber ball game.

See Olmec civilization on the interactive timeline

Facts

Dates: c. 1600 to 400 BCE
Duration: 1,200 years
Type: People or culture
Region: Gulf Coast and Oaxaca, Mesoamerica and Caribbean
Language family: Mixe-Zoque

Became

Epi-Olmec culture c. 300 BCE to 250 CE

Events in Mesoamerica and Caribbean during its time

1200 BCE San Lorenzo rises as the first Olmec center
500 BCE Monte Albán founded

Neighbours in Mesoamerica and Caribbean

Zapotec state (Monte Albán) c. 500 BCE to 850 CE
El Mirador c. 600 BCE to 150 CE
Kaminaljuyu c. 800 BCE to 800 CE

Elsewhere in the world at the same time

Minoan civilization c. 3100 to 1450 BCE, Europe
Carthage c. 814 to 146 BCE, North and West Africa
Shang dynasty c. 1600 to 1046 BCE, East Asia
Roman Republic 509 to 27 BCE, Europe
New Kingdom of Egypt c. 1550 to 1069 BCE, North and West Africa
Greek city-states c. 800 to 338 BCE, Europe
Neo-Assyrian Empire 911 to 609 BCE, Middle East
Old Babylonian Empire 1894 to 1595 BCE, Middle East
Hittite Empire (New Kingdom) c. 1400 to 1180 BCE, Middle East
Achaemenid Empire 550 to 330 BCE, Middle East

Questions

When did Olmec civilization exist?

c. 1600 to 400 BCE, about 1,200 years. These dates are approximate, because the evidence for its beginning or end is uncertain.

Where was Olmec civilization?

Gulf Coast and Oaxaca, in Mesoamerica and Caribbean.

What language did Olmec civilization speak?

Mixe-Zoque. This family includes Olmec (probable), Epi-Olmec.

What came after Olmec civilization?

Epi-Olmec culture.