How did olmecs become rich?

Answer 1

The Olmecs became rich primarily through their control of trade routes and their ability to produce valuable goods, such as rubber from the tropical rubber trees in their region. Their strategic location in the Gulf Coast of Mexico allowed them to trade with neighboring cultures, exchanging commodities like jade, obsidian, and pottery. Additionally, the Olmecs developed advanced agricultural techniques, enabling them to sustain large populations and surplus production, further enhancing their economic power. Their wealth was also reflected in their monumental architecture and artistic achievements, which demonstrated their social and political organization.