La Venta, Olmec archaeological complex in Tabasco, Mexico.
La Venta is an archaeological complex in Mexico featuring a 30-meter-high pyramid made of clay and sand along with several ceremonial areas. The site contains four massive basalt stone heads created by the Olmec civilization.
The settlement flourished between 900 and 400 BCE as a major Olmec center in the region. It controlled the area between the Mezcalapa and Coatzacoalcos rivers.
Excavations revealed burial practices where jade objects and elaborate ceremonial items were placed in tombs, suggesting social distinctions among the people. These discoveries show which individuals held importance within the community.
Many artifacts from the original location are now displayed at the Parque-Museo La Venta in Villahermosa, where they are protected from weather and development. This museum visit offers a convenient way to see the most important finds.
The site layout reveals advanced astronomical knowledge, with Complex A structures aligned precisely to true north. The builders used mathematical calculations to achieve this exact orientation.
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