Olmec

Circa 1500-1000 BCE, on Mexico's Gulf Coast.

The "mother culture" of Mesoamerica, including Teotihuacan, Aztec and Maya.

Olmec were a 1st order state. The leader ruled through charisma, without bureaucracy or sovereignty. Leadership and the ball games were closely linked.

Invented a calendar and written language. Had grand cities, art, ball games.

They were not an empire. Cities had no control over the countryside. Cities were seasonal centers, with play kings.