Why are the Olmec referred to as the "mother culture" of Mesoamerica?

The designation of the Olmec as the "mother culture" of Mesoamerica primarily stems from their significant influence on subsequent Mesoamerican civilizations, particularly in areas such as art, religion, and social organization. The Olmec culture emerged around 1200 BCE and is recognized for its innovative artistic expressions, including the creation of colossal stone heads and intricate jade work. Additionally, they established important religious practices and iconography that resonated through time, impacting later civilizations like the Maya and the Aztecs.

While other early Mesoamerican cultures had notable achievements—such as pyramid construction, population size, and the development of writing systems—it is the Olmec's foundational role in shaping the cultural landscape that solidifies their position as the "mother culture." Their artistic styles and religious motifs set a precedent that would be adopted and adapted by later societies, highlighting their lasting legacy in the region's history.