Mesopotamia:
- written language
- Agriculture: mainly farming grains
- Did not believe in life or anything beyond death
- Realized city states required authority and order
- Hierarchy
- Gender inequality
- Men owned land
- Military forces




Olmec:
- written language
- Agriculture: mainly maize, beans and squash
- Ceremonial Centers: temples, tombs for rulers, alters, pyramids. Partook in ritual sacrifices
- Realized city states required authority and order
- Hierarchy
- Men owned Land