To which earlier civilization can the cultural roots of Maya civilization be traced?

The Olmec civilization (1200-400 BC) is an ancient and highly developed civilization of the pre-Columbian era, of the Pre-Classical Period. It's the earliest known great civilization of Mesoamerica. So far, our knowledge about this mysterious culture is not vast. Their legacy are monumental sacred complexes, massive stone sculptures, ball games, the drinking of chocolate and animal gods. The Olmecs are seen as precursors of both the Mayan and the Aztec civilizations.