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The Olmecs: A History from Beginning to End
Discover the remarkable history of The Olmecs...
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Many ancient civilizations are described as mysterious, but none provide as many puzzles and unanswered questions as the Olmecs. These people arrived in lands near the Gulf of Mexico around 1500 BCE, and they brought with them entirely new concepts in terms of engineering, agriculture, and religion. The problem is, we have no idea where they came from or how they developed these new ideas. Then, around 400 BCE, the Olmecs vanished as suddenly and inexplicably as they appeared, leaving behind no written records but providing a legacy of beliefs and ideas which permeated virtually every Mesoamerican culture which followed.
Respected scholars take very different views on the Olmec civilization. Some feel that the Olmecs must have come to Central America from somewhere else entirely, while others are adamant that they are indigenous people. Some historians believe that the Olmecs were simply one of several cultures which emerged at around the same time, while others are vehement that this is the mother culture from which all subsequent Mesoamerican cultures descended. Less than one hundred years ago, there wasn’t even agreement on whether these people had existed at all.
There are very few cultures as important as the Olmecs about which we know so little. This book attempts to convey the story of the mysterious Olmecs and their unique and fascinating artifacts.
Discover a plethora of topics such as
Origins The Olmec Enigma The Fall of San Lorenzo Were-Jaguars and Feathered Serpents The Rise of La Venta The Disappearance of the Olmecs And much more! So if you want a concise and informative book on The Olmecs, simply scroll up and click the "Buy now" button for instant access!
Free BONUS Inside!
Many ancient civilizations are described as mysterious, but none provide as many puzzles and unanswered questions as the Olmecs. These people arrived in lands near the Gulf of Mexico around 1500 BCE, and they brought with them entirely new concepts in terms of engineering, agriculture, and religion. The problem is, we have no idea where they came from or how they developed these new ideas. Then, around 400 BCE, the Olmecs vanished as suddenly and inexplicably as they appeared, leaving behind no written records but providing a legacy of beliefs and ideas which permeated virtually every Mesoamerican culture which followed.
Respected scholars take very different views on the Olmec civilization. Some feel that the Olmecs must have come to Central America from somewhere else entirely, while others are adamant that they are indigenous people. Some historians believe that the Olmecs were simply one of several cultures which emerged at around the same time, while others are vehement that this is the mother culture from which all subsequent Mesoamerican cultures descended. Less than one hundred years ago, there wasn’t even agreement on whether these people had existed at all.
There are very few cultures as important as the Olmecs about which we know so little. This book attempts to convey the story of the mysterious Olmecs and their unique and fascinating artifacts.
Discover a plethora of topics such as
Origins The Olmec Enigma The Fall of San Lorenzo Were-Jaguars and Feathered Serpents The Rise of La Venta The Disappearance of the Olmecs And much more! So if you want a concise and informative book on The Olmecs, simply scroll up and click the "Buy now" button for instant access!
42 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 16, 2019
169 people are currently reading
194 people want to read
About the author
Hourly History
655 books835 followersAt Hourly History, we focus on publishing history books that are concise, straightforward and take no longer than one hour to read.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 24, 2023
I was always curious about these mysterious people who vanished in the arms of time leaving behind so little. One good thing that came out from history books in the school library.
As compact as it is, the book gives a good insight to whatever that is available at hand. Quite a lot of it can be learned from Wikipedia but it's always good to have a some figs and cheese along with a glass of wine. That's where this book comes in. The book puts together what little we know of these once highly sophisticated and intelligent society. I don't think we can really build a full picture with the few giant heads, the sculptures, structures and utensils that are left from their time.
I would say it's a good attempt to build a timeline and give a face and air to an advanced civilization that probably influenced all the mighty civilizations that came after in Mesoamerica.
Book #11 of 2023.
As compact as it is, the book gives a good insight to whatever that is available at hand. Quite a lot of it can be learned from Wikipedia but it's always good to have a some figs and cheese along with a glass of wine. That's where this book comes in. The book puts together what little we know of these once highly sophisticated and intelligent society. I don't think we can really build a full picture with the few giant heads, the sculptures, structures and utensils that are left from their time.
I would say it's a good attempt to build a timeline and give a face and air to an advanced civilization that probably influenced all the mighty civilizations that came after in Mesoamerica.
Book #11 of 2023.
March 4, 2020
Before the Mayans, before the Incans there were the Olmecs. They established the first Mesoamerican culture. They also present a lot of problems for the historian and the archaeologists.
Seems that they appeared almost over-night with their civilization fully developed. There are numerous arguments about where they came from and where they went to. They didn't seem to have a single religion, they didn't seem to leave any written records behind, they had a nice main city and abandoned it for no reason and they also left behind giant carved heads that resemble people from Africa.
The book points all these things out and discusses the disagreements among scientists over almost everything to do with the Olmecs.
Seems that they appeared almost over-night with their civilization fully developed. There are numerous arguments about where they came from and where they went to. They didn't seem to have a single religion, they didn't seem to leave any written records behind, they had a nice main city and abandoned it for no reason and they also left behind giant carved heads that resemble people from Africa.
The book points all these things out and discusses the disagreements among scientists over almost everything to do with the Olmecs.
July 10, 2024
I received this book from Amazon and it is part of the Hourly history collection (https://hourlyhistory.com). These books are mostly about historical events or historical persons.
This one is about ancient civilization of Olmecs and has all the important information about it in a very concise way (you can read it within an hour).
Olmecs lived in Mexico and they were predecessor of later Maya civilization. It is not clear where they came from in 1500 b.c. and there are several theories.
This is my assessment of this book The Olmecs by Hourly history according to my 8 criteria:
1. Related to practice - 3 stars
2. It prevails important - 4 stars
3. I agree with the read - 4 stars
4. not difficult to read (as for non-English native) - 4 stars
5. Too long (more than 500 pages) - short and concise (150-200 pages) - 5 stars
6. Boring - every sentence is interesting - 3 stars
7. Learning opportunity - 5 stars
8. Dry and uninspired style of writing - Smooth style with humouristic and fun parts - 3 stars
Total 3,875 stars
This one is about ancient civilization of Olmecs and has all the important information about it in a very concise way (you can read it within an hour).
Olmecs lived in Mexico and they were predecessor of later Maya civilization. It is not clear where they came from in 1500 b.c. and there are several theories.
This is my assessment of this book The Olmecs by Hourly history according to my 8 criteria:
1. Related to practice - 3 stars
2. It prevails important - 4 stars
3. I agree with the read - 4 stars
4. not difficult to read (as for non-English native) - 4 stars
5. Too long (more than 500 pages) - short and concise (150-200 pages) - 5 stars
6. Boring - every sentence is interesting - 3 stars
7. Learning opportunity - 5 stars
8. Dry and uninspired style of writing - Smooth style with humouristic and fun parts - 3 stars
Total 3,875 stars
June 25, 2021
A very interesting potted history of this ancient civilization. At one point, we Europeans thought there was little history over in the Americas, but oh, how wrong we were. Maybe if we hadn't carried war and disease over and murdered all the native south and meso American peoples, well, then we'd have a little insight not only into traditions and verbal histories, but we'd also possibly have a link to learning the languages and customs they had before we blundered in with our guns and superior attitude. I do see us Europeans, the Spanish, Portuguese, French and British in particular, as many countries were not involved in the rape and genocide of America, and others were less murderous about it!
A great book, about an interesting people and some awesome massive heads...
They're awesome!
A great book, about an interesting people and some awesome massive heads...
They're awesome!
October 1, 2021
A concise presentation of Owned history
It's nice that the author describes the various conclusions of archeologists and historians and their opinions showing disagreements about interpretations. Little is known for sure so not much can be said conclusively. I believe the best avenue is to study the Maya and project backwards until more information is available. This ebook does that admirably.
It's nice that the author describes the various conclusions of archeologists and historians and their opinions showing disagreements about interpretations. Little is known for sure so not much can be said conclusively. I believe the best avenue is to study the Maya and project backwards until more information is available. This ebook does that admirably.
August 4, 2024
I was in awe when I saw the colossal Olmec heads while on a trip to Mexico. Unfortunately not much is known about the Olmecs and even though they were the earliest known major Mesoamerican civilization, their sudden appearance and disappearance remains a mystery.
The book was informative and tells us about their accomplishments and discusses various theories about them. Some of the Olmec religious practices were passed on to some later civilizations.
The book was informative and tells us about their accomplishments and discusses various theories about them. Some of the Olmec religious practices were passed on to some later civilizations.
March 21, 2021
Great read:
The Olmecs I had never heard about. Learned something new. That's why I love these books. So much history we missed in school. The Olmecs are a mystery in that as quickly they developed in Mesoamerica they were gone. Many interesting facts about this culture.
The Olmecs I had never heard about. Learned something new. That's why I love these books. So much history we missed in school. The Olmecs are a mystery in that as quickly they developed in Mesoamerica they were gone. Many interesting facts about this culture.
November 14, 2021
Interesting read
I had never heard of these people. Have heard of Mesopotamia, but not how the Olmecs, preceded them, and had put into practice, some of the skills of other ancient civilizations.
I had never heard of these people. Have heard of Mesopotamia, but not how the Olmecs, preceded them, and had put into practice, some of the skills of other ancient civilizations.
May 19, 2024
A pretty good read
Another good read from Hourly History. A great introduction to this subject. Worth the read and a good starting point for anyone interested in the Olmecs but knows very little. Worth reading.
Another good read from Hourly History. A great introduction to this subject. Worth the read and a good starting point for anyone interested in the Olmecs but knows very little. Worth reading.
August 29, 2022
I don't recall hearing about this in any part of my schooling, I think. I found it a very interesting read.
May 9, 2023
Interesting
The description of the Olmec civilization is very interesting and well done. Few books describe as much detail as this one. Definitely a good interesting read.
The description of the Olmec civilization is very interesting and well done. Few books describe as much detail as this one. Definitely a good interesting read.
November 7, 2023
A Civilization That Came Before the Maya
The Olmec is an ancient civilization that existed around 1,600 BCE. They abruptly came and settled in Mesoamerica. But they just disappeared as mysteriously as they appeared, baffling many historians. However, the most important legacy the Olmec civilization left behind is the massive stone heads with unique facial features.
Hourly History presents a concise history of an ancient civilization that settled in Mesoamerica around 1,600 BCE. In The Olmecs: A History From Beginning to End, the author introduces a people called Olmec. It’s a tribe that existed even before the Maya came.
What’s fascinating about these people is that they just disappeared as mysteriously as they came. Even to this day, the Olmecs’ abrupt arrival and disappearance in Mesoamerica leaves baffling questions. Fundamental disagreements arise among mainstream historians regarding these people’s origin. Some of them believe the Olmecs developed from the indigenous people that arrived in the Americas through the Bering Land Bridge. But, others argue based on the findings at the archaeological site in El Manati near present-day San Lorenzo.
On the El Manati site, they found the earliest traces of the Olmecs around 1,600 BCE. From this place, archaeologists further discovered movements of the same people. They found that somewhere around 1400 - 1200 BCE, the Olmecs had spread across Mexico to the Pacific Coast. Evidence also showed their presence in Central America and parts of the present-day Guatemala, Honduras, and other neighboring places.
Legacy of the Olmecs
Nevertheless, regardless of what the different historians posit, they agree on some significant facts. They share the same opinion that the Olmecs brought with them a new religion and specific architectural styles. They also agree that these ancient people came before the Maya. Historians further agree that the similarities between the Olmec and Mayan cultures is due to the former’s influence on the Maya.
Meanwhile, the Olmec civilization is known for their massive stone heads that they carved in basalt. The stone heads display facial features that historians believe to represent actual rulers of the period.
From hereon, I leave the details for you readers, to discover the important historical journey of the Olmecs.
The Book and The Olmecs’ Author
The Olmecs: A History From Beginning to End is a concise history book. The reader can read it within an hour but not without gaining tons of information. I appreciate Hourly History for this concept of presenting historical events in a way that does not bore the reader.
Therefore, I give the book a rating of 5 out of 5 stars and I recommend it to readers of all ages. History students and teachers may find it a useful reference material.
The Olmec is an ancient civilization that existed around 1,600 BCE. They abruptly came and settled in Mesoamerica. But they just disappeared as mysteriously as they appeared, baffling many historians. However, the most important legacy the Olmec civilization left behind is the massive stone heads with unique facial features.
Hourly History presents a concise history of an ancient civilization that settled in Mesoamerica around 1,600 BCE. In The Olmecs: A History From Beginning to End, the author introduces a people called Olmec. It’s a tribe that existed even before the Maya came.
What’s fascinating about these people is that they just disappeared as mysteriously as they came. Even to this day, the Olmecs’ abrupt arrival and disappearance in Mesoamerica leaves baffling questions. Fundamental disagreements arise among mainstream historians regarding these people’s origin. Some of them believe the Olmecs developed from the indigenous people that arrived in the Americas through the Bering Land Bridge. But, others argue based on the findings at the archaeological site in El Manati near present-day San Lorenzo.
On the El Manati site, they found the earliest traces of the Olmecs around 1,600 BCE. From this place, archaeologists further discovered movements of the same people. They found that somewhere around 1400 - 1200 BCE, the Olmecs had spread across Mexico to the Pacific Coast. Evidence also showed their presence in Central America and parts of the present-day Guatemala, Honduras, and other neighboring places.
Legacy of the Olmecs
Nevertheless, regardless of what the different historians posit, they agree on some significant facts. They share the same opinion that the Olmecs brought with them a new religion and specific architectural styles. They also agree that these ancient people came before the Maya. Historians further agree that the similarities between the Olmec and Mayan cultures is due to the former’s influence on the Maya.
Meanwhile, the Olmec civilization is known for their massive stone heads that they carved in basalt. The stone heads display facial features that historians believe to represent actual rulers of the period.
From hereon, I leave the details for you readers, to discover the important historical journey of the Olmecs.
The Book and The Olmecs’ Author
The Olmecs: A History From Beginning to End is a concise history book. The reader can read it within an hour but not without gaining tons of information. I appreciate Hourly History for this concept of presenting historical events in a way that does not bore the reader.
Therefore, I give the book a rating of 5 out of 5 stars and I recommend it to readers of all ages. History students and teachers may find it a useful reference material.
July 29, 2019
We know more about the moon than Mesoamerica cultures
The Olmecs are one of the most baffling enigmas of the ancient world and, unless some dramatic new discoveries are made, it seems likely that they will remain a major source of fascination and debate for historians and scholars.
The Olmecs are one of the most baffling enigmas of the ancient world and, unless some dramatic new discoveries are made, it seems likely that they will remain a major source of fascination and debate for historians and scholars.
July 13, 2019
Interesting view of the earliest American civilization. Very little is known of the Olmecs but they seem to have influenced succeeding later meso-American civilizations. I hope future anthropologists find more information to create additional speculations on this mysterious culture.
July 18, 2021
This book is very useful if you are doing a project based on the olmecs, it includes a lot of details and it is not centered in te archaeological and discovery aspect of the olmec civilization, which I found very useful.
October 17, 2019
Good to know about the olmecs.. A lost civilization 👍
It was a good book on the first civilization of mesoamerica, the olmecs. Another good book by hourly history... Great 👍
It was a good book on the first civilization of mesoamerica, the olmecs. Another good book by hourly history... Great 👍
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews