Did you know that the Mayans invented the complex calendar system, while the Olmecs left behind the colossal stone head? The Mayans and Olmecs are two of history's most powerful ancient civilizations. They have both created unique and amazing innovations that are now assisting us. They are very similar but also very different. The Mayans and Olmecs lived in different places, had different forms of government, and worshiped different gods. Both, however, believed that religion was important and that they had to please their god or face trouble. Trade with others was also one of their accomplishments. The Mayans and Olmecs were similar as they both believed strongly in the gods they worshiped. They also both believed in the practice of …show more content…
The widespread distribution of Olmec artifacts and "Olmecoid" iconography throughout much of Mesoamerica suggests the existence of extensive long-distance trade networks. Exotic, prestigious, and high-value materials like greenstone and marine shell were transported in large quantities over long distances. While the Olmec were not the first in Mesoamerica to organize long-distance exchanges of goods, the Olmec period saw a significant expansion in interregional trade routes, a greater variety in material goods exchanged, and a greater diversity in the sources from which the base materials were obtained. This shows how the Olmecs did in fact use trade to help them develop and commerce with other civilizations. The control of the valuable obsidian deposits at nearby Pachuca, which were used to manufacture vast quantities of spear and dart heads and also served as a trading platform, contributed to the city's prosperity. The Mayans used trade to make the city prosperous and grow this is also similar to how the Olmecs used trade to grow their cities and become prosperous too. Finally, the Mayans and Olmecs were similar because they both used trade to interact with others and enrich their society, they both used writing systems to evolve their culture, and they both believed in similar cultural/religious