The Olmecs: Mesoamerica's Mysterious First Civilization

Deep in the heart of ancient Mexico, the Olmecs built a grand civilization between 1800 and 400 BCE. The archaeological remains raise may questions about the origins and legacy of this captivating Mesoamerican culture. How did they carve and carry their famous colossal heads? Why did they live in flood-prone wetlands when better agricultural land was available? How can we unlock the secrets of their written language? Taught by Dr. Edwin Barnhart, these 12 eye-opening lectures take you on a journey into the past to explore these fascinating people. From the bustling platforms of San Lorenzo to the ritual-rich pyramids of La Venta, you'll discover how the Olmecs shaped and were shaped by trade, religion, and ideology. Armed with the latest research, you'll consider the Olmec reputation as "Mother Culture" of Mesoamerican civilizations. However, the story of ancient Mesoamerica is a much more complex tale of coevolution with neighbors like the Oaxaca and, later, the Maya.