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Title H story, Religion, and Tradition W hile there is evidence of human habitation in Mexico dating as far back as 11,000 bce , the first identifiable civilization was the Olmecs. These people lived on the Gulf Coast, near the present-day city of Veracruz, from around 1200 bce . The Olmecs left few writings, though they did leave a number of artifacts. Through these we know that they had a direct influence on future Mexican civilizations such as the Mayans and the Aztecs. They pioneered many religious practices, stone-carving techniques, and trade and agricultural systems. Their main urban center, San Lorenzo Tenochtitlán, was well advanced for its time. Olmec culture lasted nearly a thousand years, waning around 400 bce with the abandonment of the city of La Venta. In its wake arose the next major

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CHAPTER ONE: HISTORY, RELIGION, AND TRADITION