The first stirrings of the Olmec Culture began at the onset of the second millennium bce in the southern Gulf coast region, which is considered the heartland (Map 2.20.1). From modest beginnings, the Olmec went on to attain a high level of development until their demise around 400 bce. In contrast to their neighbours, they are characterised by a geographical centre, well-developed regional trade networks, social stratification, an imposing art style and centralised political systems sanctioned by religion and led by hereditary rulers backed by armed force. Their celebrated artistic manifestations in stone, such as colossal heads, thrones, stelae, columns, three-dimensional human figures and anthropomorphised felines as well as portable greenstone axes, figurines and masks, gave the first indications of an elite social order and helped define their Gulf coast origin.

The true name of this preliterate culture has not survived in oral traditions and historic memory. Its name, meaning people of the rubber country, is borrowed from a historic-period Gulf coast culture. It did not seem quite fitting until the recent discovery of rubber balls that confirm ancient Olmec knowledge and use of this substance from the Castilla elastica tree.