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Olmecs – Socio-Religious The Olmecs lived in Mexico during the period from about 1200BC to about 800BC. According to some historians, the Olmecs came to Mexico from West Africa – the Saharan Region, some 3500years ago. Other historians attribute the Olmecs’ ancestry to American Indians and possibly Asians. Nonetheless, the Olmecs established the first Mesoamerican civilization and their culture went on to influence many succeeding cultures in aspects pertaining to religion, language, and social class. The Olmecs’ civilization possessed a high degree of societal organization and class stratification. The following diagram outlines the hierarchical structure of the Olmecs’ society. Hierarchy of Olmec Civilisation Olmec Rulers Religious Priests Skilled Artisans, Traders, Wealthy Olmecs Common people – corn farmers, hunters, other farmers Apart from job-function, wealth and status also de