The Olmecs were an ancient Mesoamerican civilization that thrived from around 1400 to 400 BCE, primarily in the modern-day states of Veracruz and Tabasco in Mexico. They are often regarded as the "mother culture" of later civilizations in the region, such as the Maya and Aztecs, due to their significant contributions in art, architecture, and religious practices. The Olmecs are best known for their colossal stone heads and intricate jade carvings, reflecting their advanced societal organization and cultural sophistication. Their civilization laid foundational aspects of Mesoamerican culture, including the development of a writing system and a calendar.