Mesoamerican mercenaries - Discuss.

[Lion.Kanzen]

Cultures.

 

The Olmec civilization is what is known as an archaeological culture. This means there is a collection of artifacts thought by archaeologists to represent a particular society. What is known about archaeological cultures is based on artifacts, rather than texts. In the case of the Olmec, archaeologists think artifacts found primarily on the northern half of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in Mesoamerica from 1200–500 B.C. timeframe represent the Olmec society. The name Olmec was actually invented by scholars. Derived from the Nahuatl (Aztec) word “Olmecatl”, which means “inhabitant of the rubber country”, Olmec is a reference to the rubber production in the area where many of the artifacts have been found.

 

There are several Olmec sites thought to be important centers of activity, of which San Lorenzo and La Venta are the most significant. San Lorenzo, about 56 kilometers (35 miles) south of the Gulf of Mexico in the modern Mexican state of Veracruz, was at its height around 1150 to 900 A.D. La Venta, east of San Lorenzo and closer to the Gulf Coast (15 kilometers/9 miles) in the modern Mexican state of Tabasco, reached its height in about 900–500 A.D. 

 

Research at these and other sites has led to the following insights. The Olmec diet initially included foods from fishing and hunting. Maize and other crops were a later addition to their foodstuffs. The Olmec created massive monuments, including colossal stone heads, thrones, stela (upright slabs), and statues. They may have been the originators of the Mesoamerican ball game, a ceremonial team sport played throughout the region for centuries. They also built earthen mounds and pyramids, and ceramics of several types that became common throughout a broad region influenced by the Olmec civilization.

Lenca.

 

The origin of the Lenca people remains unknown to anthropologists. At present, there are two theories that attract the most consensus on the subject, although neither has been scientifically proven.

 

The first indicates that the Lencas descend from Mayan groups that did not leave the area after losing their territorial dominions.

 

The second hypothesis, based on more recent research, affirms that the origin of this people is found in Olmec groups that emigrated from central Mexico and that created the Proto-Lenca culture. Among the indications that support this last hypothesis is the antiquity of the Los Naranjos and Yarumela settlements.

Edited February 21, 2022 by Lion.Kanzen

[Lion.Kanzen]

Those areas where the Lenca currently live are cold. 8° Celsius.

I find it hard to believe they weren't covered in winter.

 

[Lion.Kanzen]

Some history...

There are things that they don't teach you in school.

 

There are details of several cultures from the south of the Mayan world.

 

 

[Lion.Kanzen]