<P> Although the Classic era, starting roughly 300 CE, saw continued mound construction and Tres Zapotes remained a regional center, the era nonetheless brought a perceptible decline in Tres Zapotes' fortunes, as the centers of the new Classic Veracruz culture grew in prominence and size . </P> <P> Tres Zapotes may have been abandoned by 900 CE, although there was a smaller and later occupation . </P> <P> In 1939, archaeologist Matthew Stirling discovered at Tres Zapotes the bottom half of Stela C . This stela was carved from basalt, with one side showing an Olmec - style engraving that has been variously characterized as an abstract were - jaguar or a ruler on a throne . On other side was the oldest Mesoamerican Long Count calendar date yet unearthed . This date, 7.16. 6.16. 18, correlates in our present - day calendar to September 3, 32 BCE, although there was some controversy over the missing baktun, the first digit, which Marion Stirling, Matthew's wife, had contended was a' 7' . Her judgment was validated in 1969 when the top half of the stela was found . </P> <P> Since 1939, only one older long - count date has been discovered, Stela 2 from Chiapa de Corzo, Chiapas, with a date of 7.16. 3.2. 13 (36 BCE). </P>

What number does the bars of tres zapotes represent