Final answer:
The earliest Mesoamerican civilization is the Olmec, who are considered the foundation for subsequent civilizations like the Maya and Aztecs. They established significant cultural sites and were known for trade, religion, and creating the first writing system in the Western Hemisphere.
Step-by-step explanation:
The earliest civilization currently identified in Mesoamerica is known as the Olmec. The Olmec civilization is generally considered to be the forerunner of all Mesoamerican cultures, including the Maya and Aztecs. Known for their intricate jade figurines and significant cultural contributions, the Olmec established important sites like La Venta around 900 BCE, which became a center for culture, government, trade, and religion. Following the decline of the Olmec, the region saw the rise of other civilizations such as the Zapotec, the Teotihuacano, the Maya, and later, the Toltec and the Aztec empires.
Olmec Contributions
The Olmec civilization has made lasting impacts in various aspects, including their complex writing system, which is considered the first in the Western Hemisphere. It is this civilization that set the foundational cultural and religious templates which influenced subsequent cultures. For instance, the Olmecs' jade figurines suggest a high regard for religious practices and trade.
The Toltec and Aztec empires are noted to have come into prominence after the classical Mayan period, with the Aztecs eventually establishing the grand city of Tenochtitlan. These empires and others occupied the Mesoamerican region at different times, contributing to its rich history and cultural legacy.