Uncontacted contemporaries · 414 overlapping years

Olmec Civilization Carthaginian Empire

For 414 years — from 814 BCE to 400 BCE — both civilizations existed simultaneously. Neither this dataset nor the historical record shows any documented trade, war, or diplomatic contact between them.

1,500 BCE 146 BCE

Olmec Civilization

1,500 BCE–400 BCE

Carthaginian Empire

814 BCE–146 BCE

↑ Overlap begins, 814 BCE

Olmec Civilization

Gulf Coast, Mesoamerica

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

Carthaginian Empire

North African coast and western Mediterranean

Originally a Phoenician colony, Carthage grew into Rome's chief rival for control of the western Mediterranean.

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 Urban planning

Olmec Civilization only

Astronomical record-keeping

Carthaginian Empire only

Bronze metallurgy
Iron metallurgy
Standing army
Codified law
Seafaring