Olmecs to Toltecs: Great ancient civilizations of Mexico
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The Olmecs were the first to leave signs of their culture for succeeding civilizations to contemplate, but the colossal stone heads, each carved from basalt rock weighing as much as 30 tons procured from hundreds of miles away, raise more questions than they answer.

Photo: Christian Honig / Shutterstock

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The Olmecs were the first to leave signs of their culture for succeeding civilizations to contemplate, but the colossal stone heads, each carved from basalt rock weighing as much as 30 tons procured from hundreds of miles away, raise more questions than they answer.
The Pyramid of the Niches at El Tajin is known for its 365 "niches" carved in and around the pyramid to symbolize the days of the year.
During the Danza de los Voladores de Papantla, four voladores (birdmen), one each for the gods of sun, wind, earth and water, swing from a rope tethered to their ankle around a pole as high as 100 feet and gradually descend to the ground.
Inspired by Olmec culture, the city of Teotihuacan, about 25 to 30 miles northeast of Mexico City, is one of the country's most-visited ancient cities.
The Tula archaeological site, 40 miles north of Mexico City,is best known for its nearly 15-foot stone warrior figures that once served as columns supporting a pyramid.
Teotihuacan's most impressive structures are the magnificent Temple of the Feathered Serpent, the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, all lining the central thoroughfare, the Avenue of the Dead.
The Totonacs' Danza de los Voladores de Papantla, a religious ceremony for communicating with nature and the gods, is still performed at El Tajin, one of the Totonacs' major cities.
A malachite stone carved figure from Monte Alban in Mexico.
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