Final answer:
The Olmecs were one of the first civilizations in Mesoamerica, known for their monumental architecture and as the first to develop a writing system in the region. They had significant influence on subsequent civilizations like the Maya and the Aztec.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Olmecs were considered one of the first civilizations in the area of the world known as Mesoamerica. This region extends from central Mexico to northern Costa Rica.
The Olmec civilization flourished from around 1200 BCE to about 400 BCE and was centered in the modern states of Tabasco and Veracruz in the Gulf of Mexico. They are known for their monumental architecture, such as the large stone heads, and were the first to develop a writing system in the Western Hemisphere.
The Olmecs were also involved in trade with other regions, which helped diffuse their cultural innovations, including their religious beliefs, artistic styles, and calendar system. Their culture laid the foundational practices for subsequent Mesoamerican civilizations like the Maya and the Aztec.