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Website
Foundation for the Advancement of Mesoamerican Studies

Famsi: Bitumen Sourcing in the Olmec Region (2004)

For Students 9th - 10th
Study suggests that chemical studies on bitumen (hydrocarbon material) is a feasible method of studying inter-regional trade and social networks. Includes a chart defining archaeological phases of the Olmec Culture.
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Website
Foundation for the Advancement of Mesoamerican Studies

Famsi: Olmec Civilization at San Andres, Tabasco, Mx

For Students 9th - 10th
A significant part of the research is a form of early writing. La Venta's hierarchy is defined by artifacts found during excavations.
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Website
Foundation for the Advancement of Mesoamerican Studies

Famsi: Surface Archaeology in the Chilapa Zitiala Area (2003)

For Students 9th - 10th
Study at the Chilapa-Zitlala, Mexico site indicates possibility of Olmec presence.
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Handout
Wikimedia

Wikipedia: Olmec

For Students 9th - 10th
Wikipedia offers excellent information on the Olmec, a people living in south-central Mexico from 2300 BC to about 800 BC.
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Website
Foundation for the Advancement of Mesoamerican Studies

Famsi: Investigations at an Olmec Community

For Students 9th - 10th
Excellent pictures of domestic areas. Pollen analysis offers information on farming and socialization.
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Website
Foundation for the Advancement of Mesoamerican Studies

Famsi: San Carlos Rural Olmec Household Project (1996)

For Students 9th - 10th
Investigation of two excavated households offers insights into Olmec daily life during the Formative Period.
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Handout
Mex Connect

Mexico Connect: Pre Classic Period of the Olmecs

For Students 9th - 10th
The Formative Period (1500 BCE-300 CE) of Mesoamerican culture is surveyed with an overview of the Olmec culture. Includes discussion of Olmec stone head sculpture, art, building, writing, and other achievements.
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Website
Foundation for the Advancement of Mesoamerican Studies

Famsi: Archaeology of Early Formative Chalcatzingo

For Students 9th - 10th
Indications of centralized authority in building platform mounds which were most likely a public facility.
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Website
Other

Mesoweb: Olmec Discovery at Zazacatla

For Students 9th - 10th
Report describing the discovery and excavation of an Olmec site at Zazacatla, Mexico.
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Website
Archaeological Institute of America

The Americas First Colony?

For Students 9th - 10th
Skeletal remains of a juvenile with jade ax blades suggests a possible Olmec colony in Southern Mexico.
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Website
Other

Cultures of Mesoamerica: Olmec

For Students 9th - 10th
Short article describing Olmec civilization as an Early Formative culture that made the transition from dispersed farming to village settlement. A discussion earthworks and links to pictures of artifacts are available. See "Gallery."
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Graphic
Foundation for the Advancement of Mesoamerican Studies

Famsi: Gulf Coast Area

For Students 9th - 10th
The map here shows the Gulf Coast area of Mexico and the locations of modern and ancient cities and towns, including Olmec sites.