Which civilization is considered to have created the first complex societies in Mesoamerica?

The Olmec civilization is recognized as the first complex society in Mesoamerica, flourishing around 1200 to 400 BCE. They are often regarded as the "mother culture" of the region, having laid the foundational elements for subsequent Mesoamerican civilizations such as the Maya and Aztec. The Olmecs are credited with significant achievements, including the development of hieroglyphic writing, advanced art forms, and large-scale architectural projects, as demonstrated by their colossal stone heads and ceremonial centers like La Venta and San Lorenzo. This early civilization also engaged in the establishment of trade networks and the creation of social hierarchies, which are hallmarks of complex societies. Their influence can be seen in the cultures that followed, making them a pivotal reference point in the historical narrative of Mesoamerican development.