Uncontacted contemporaries · 454 overlapping years

Shang Dynasty Olmec Civilization

For 454 years — from 1,500 BCE to 1,046 BCE — both civilizations existed simultaneously. Neither this dataset nor the historical record shows any documented trade, war, or diplomatic contact between them.

1,600 BCE 400 BCE

Shang Dynasty

1,600 BCE–1,046 BCE

Olmec Civilization

1,500 BCE–400 BCE

↑ Overlap begins, 1,500 BCE

Shang Dynasty

Yellow River Valley, East Asia

The earliest Chinese dynasty confirmed by contemporary written and archaeological evidence, known for oracle bone script.

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 Astronomical record-keeping Urban planning

Shang Dynasty only

Bronze metallurgy
Standing army

Olmec Civilization only

Long-distance trade