Name_______________

 

Olmec Worksheet

Do not simply cut and paste information. Use your own words to answer all questions.

 

Geography

 

  1. List each of the three major Olmec centers and the resources controlled by each.

 

 

 

 

Mathematics

 

  1. Describe the basic components of the Olmec counting system.

 

 

 

 

Writing

 

  1. Where might Olmec writing have originated?

 

 

  1. Name and describe the two scripts used by the Olmec.

 

 

 

Society

 

  1. How early did Olmec society begin on the Gulf Coast?

 

  1. How did a typical person survive there?

 

 

 

Olmec Centers/Irrigation/Ball Games

 

  1. Were Olmec Centers simply religious sites? Describe why or why not.

 

 

 

  1. What appears around 900 B.C.?

 

 

  1. Describe how the Olmec brought in fresh drinking water.

 

 

  1. Of what were game balls made?

 

Monuments

 

  1. What might the enormous Olmec heads have represented?

 

 

  1. What did carvings and a date found on one of the heads reveal about Olmec culture?

 

 

  1. Who do archaeologists believe to have mutilated many stone monuments?

 

 

  1. Briefly describe the process of the monument manufacturing process.

 

 

 

 

  1. Why might have the Olmec Centers declined in importance over time?

 

 

Art

 

  1. Choose two pieces of art shown on the site and describe each.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gods/Goddesses

 

  1. How many distinct gods have been shown to be depicted in Olmec Art?

 

  1. What animal did the Olmecs think they had descended from?

 

  1. What two areas was the Jaguar God supposed to be the deity of?

 

 

  1. What methods were used to help the Shaman transform into the Jaguar deity?

 

 

 

  1. What do ancient Olmec carvings depict about their beginnings in the New World?