Uncontacted contemporaries · 423 overlapping years

Egyptian New Kingdom Olmec Civilization

For 423 years — from 1,500 BCE to 1,077 BCE — both civilizations existed simultaneously. Neither this dataset nor the historical record shows any documented trade, war, or diplomatic contact between them.

1,550 BCE 400 BCE

Egyptian New Kingdom

1,550 BCE–1,077 BCE

Olmec Civilization

1,500 BCE–400 BCE

↑ Overlap begins, 1,500 BCE

Egyptian New Kingdom

Nile Valley and Levant

Egypt's wealthiest and most militarily expansive era, including the reigns of Hatshepsut and Ramesses II.

Olmec Civilization

Gulf Coast, Mesoamerica

Considered the 'mother culture' of Mesoamerica, originating traits later inherited by the Maya and Aztec.

Traits both developed independently

With no documented contact, any shared trait below represents independent development rather than transmission from one to the other.

Monumental architecture Irrigation agriculture Long-distance trade Astronomical record-keeping Urban planning

Egyptian New Kingdom only

Bronze metallurgy
Standing army
Seafaring

Olmec Civilization only

No traits unique to Olmec Civilization in this comparison.