The Olmec Legacy: Cultural Continuity and Change in Mexico's Southern Gulf Coast Lowlands

Abstract

Archaeological research in the southern Gulf lowlands of Mexico has focused on the notable accomplishments of the Formative Period Olmec. Yet, with few exceptions, the spectacular early cultural developments in the region have not been well articulated with local patterns of cultural continuity and change during subsequent Classic and Postclassic times. Research in the Hueyapan region of Veracruz in Mexico's southern Gulf lowlands provides new data for examining the Olmec legacy in this important region and a clearer picture of issues concerning chronology, settlement patterns, economy and political organization that must beexamined in the future. The research described here builds a foundation for comparing the development of this part of the prehispanic lowlands to other regions of ancient Mesoamerica.