The ancient civilization that heavily influenced those in Mesoamerica, particularly in writing and mathematics, was the Olmec civilization. The Olmecs, often regarded as the "Mother Culture" of Mesoamerica, flourished from around 1200 to 400 BCE in what is now Mexico. Their innovations included early forms of hieroglyphic writing and a sophisticated calendar system that influenced later Mesoamerican cultures, such as the Mayas and Aztecs. The trajectory of Olmec cultural practices set foundational elements for the advanced civilizations that followed, making them a crucial part of the region's historical and cultural development.