![[Pasted image 20250201163156.png]] Most important for our knowledge of these peoples, Mesoamericans created the only known written language in the Western Hemisphere. Though Mesoamerica had no overarching, imperial political structure, trade over long distances helped spread a widely-shared culture. Weapons made of obsidian, jewelry crafted from jade, feathers woven into clothing and ornaments, and cacao beans that were whipped into a chocolate drink formed the basis of commerce. The first major Mesoamerican culture was the [[Olmec]] civilization. --- Next: [[1.5 The Olmec]] Back: [[1.3 Mesoamerica]]