Question

What were large cities like San Lorenzo a center for?

Answer 1

This is the first mesoamerican city. It was a very important place for religion and politics during its time.

Answer 2

Trading helped the Olmec build their urban centers of San Lorenzo and La Venta. These cities, however, were used predominantly for ceremonial purposes and elite activity; most people lived in small villages. Individual homes had a lean-to—sort of like a garage shed—and a storage pit for storing root vegetables nearby.