Some theory argues that the Olmec civilization, had a dominant influence on the development of the Maya.
The development of the Olmec civilization, given after the period between 1500 and 1200 BC, occurred thanks to the improvement of these agricultural techniques, so they could overcome the hostilities of the environment and sustain large populations. From this development framework, the expansion of the occupied areas and the emergence of urban centers took place gradually.
San Lorenzo city began to decline, the city of La Venta became the most bustling center of Olmec culture. Until the fourth century BC, this city had great importance for such a civilization. After that, perhaps due to the action of great climatic transformations, this region was uninhabited until the definitive extinction of the Olmec people.
