The Olmec civilization had a parent culture of many of the Mesoamerican cultures that came after; such as, the Mayans and Aztecs, and eventually built a large network through Mesoamerica. They traded (obsidian knives, animal skins, and salt), their religion was of the cosmos and belief of an underworld and earth had certain characteristics.Their religion aspects led to mythology and their art was far ahead of their time. Also, they were the first engineers of America (Ex. Aqueduct of San Lorenzo), and its military mights.