The Olmec civilization was the first major civilization of the Mesoamerican region (1200-400 BCE). It had a full fledged religion with a large pantheon of Gods, an elaborate priesthood and well developed rituals. The civilizations that came later - the Aztecs, the Maya and the Incas were heavily influenced by the Olmec religion. This influence is evident in the shape of gods and the various rituals of the later civilizations.
