Toltec
The Toltec were a pre-Columbian Mesoamerican culture that flourished between the 10th and 12th centuries AD, centered in what is now central Mexico. Here are some key aspects of the Toltec civilization:
History and Origins
- The Toltecs are believed to have originated from the Teotihuacan civilization, which collapsed around the 7th century, leading to a power vacuum in the region.
- They established their capital at Tula (also known as Tollan), which became a significant political and cultural center.
Political and Social Structure
- The Toltec society was highly stratified, with a ruling class of warriors and priests at the top.
- Their empire was known for its military prowess, engaging in numerous conquests to expand their influence.
- Artisans and craftsmen played a crucial role in Toltec society, producing fine works of art and architecture.
Culture and Religion
- The Toltecs had a rich religious life centered around deities like Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent god, who was considered a creator deity and patron of knowledge.
- Human sacrifice was part of their religious practices, aimed at appeasing the gods for fertility, success in war, and the continuity of the cosmos.
- Their cultural practices heavily influenced subsequent civilizations like the Aztec.
Art and Architecture
- Toltec architecture is notable for its use of large stone columns, intricate carvings, and the construction of pyramid-temples.
- The Pyramid of Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli in Tula is an example of their architectural achievements, featuring Atlantean figures.
- Artistically, they are known for their fine craftsmanship in metalwork, ceramics, and mural painting.
Decline
- The decline of the Toltec civilization began in the early 12th century, possibly due to internal strife, invasions by other groups, or environmental factors like drought.
- By the mid-12th century, Tula was abandoned, and the Toltec influence waned as new powers like the Chichimeca and later the Aztecs rose in the region.
Legacy
- The Toltecs left a lasting legacy in Mesoamerica, with their art, architecture, and religious practices influencing later cultures.
- They are often mythologized in later Mesoamerican cultures as the pinnacle of civilization and wisdom.
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