The Olmecs at the dawn of the Meso-American civilization; how the Olmecs represent one of only six cradles of early civilization in world history; how they were discovered; investigating three sites where they lived.

Delving into Olmec art; searching for clues about who the Olmecs were and what preoccupied them; the mysteries of giant sculpted heads, jaguar carvings and full-bearded figures depicting men who some think were foreigners.

Investigating other cultures that thrived in Meso-America at the time of the Olmecs, such as the Zapotecs in the Oaxaca Valley; probing intriguing archeological evidence that raises the question of who influenced whom.

The botany of Meso-America and how it benefited not just the people of the region, but eventually the entire world; the native vegetation and its impact on global diet and culture, from corn and chocolate to vanilla and chili peppers.