The Olmec culture flourished along the Gulf Coast of Mexico from around 1200-400 B.C. The Olmecs exercised basic agricultural practices using the slash and burn method in which the whole vegetation is burned and brushing the soil, in order to allow the ash to rest which acts as fertilizers. They opted to setlle near water, because the floodplains were good for agriculture, and it was easier to have fish and shellfish. However, hunting was a major source of food. Deers and domesticated dogs served the requirement of meat.
