Question: what was the role of trade in the olmec civilization

title: Olmec
text: The wide diffusion of Olmec artifacts and `` Olmecoid '' iconography throughout much of Mesoamerica indicates the existence of extensive long - distance trade networks . Exotic , prestigious and high - value materials such as greenstone and marine shell were moved in significant quantities across large distances . Some of the reasons for trade revolve around the lack of obsidian in the heartland . The Olmec used obsidian in many tools because worked edges were very sharp and durable . Most of the obsidian found has been traced back to Guatemala showing the extensive trade . While the Olmec were not the first in Mesoamerica to organize long - distance exchanges of goods , the Olmec period saw a significant expansion in interregional trade routes , more variety in material goods exchanged and a greater diversity in the sources from which the base materials were obtained . 

Answer: answer: Some of the reasons for trade revolve around the lack of obsidian in the heartland . Most of the obsidian found has been traced back to Guatemala showing the extensive trade .
answer: Some of the reasons for the Olmec long-distance trade revolve around the lack of obsidian in the heartland. Most of the obsidian found has been traced back to Guatemala showing the extensive trade.