Mysterious civilization in Central America

Huge rock heads scattered across the territory are one of the salient features of Olmec civilization in Central America.

Mexico is regarded as the cradle of Aztec civilization. However, before the Aztecs appeared, another civilization named Olmec ruled this land for nearly 1,000 years.

Stone head of Olmec people.(Source: BigStockPhoto)

Olmec flourished around 1,200-400 BC, the period of formation of Central America. Areas of the Olmec people are mainly in the southern Gulf of Mexico, especially in Veracruz and Tabasco states.

Olmec people have a writing system, but only a few words of their sculpture can be used for current research. Therefore, much of what we know about Olmec civilization depends on archaeological evidence.

The Olmec people left many works of art, the most famous of which were giant heads carved on basalt, one to three meters high. At least 17 heads have been found so far. They seem to describe a common object, a mature man with a flat nose and slightly slanted eyes.

According to Ancient Origins, this is a common expression of people living in Veracruz and Tabasco, possibly a symbolic image of Olmec people (ruler or elite).

Olmec people also built miniature versions of giant heads like "stone masks" . They are similar in character to giant heads, but only 13cm tall and made of serpentine stones.

In 400 BC, Olmec civilization disappeared mysteriously. Until now, scientists have not been able to determine the cause.