Definition of Toltec Culture

Historians consider that the Toltecs originally came from northwestern Mexico and around 1000 AD. C moved to the plateau central in search of fertile land. They founded the city of Tollan or Tula, a city located near the current state of Hidalgo.

Its main activities were agriculture and building of buildings adorned with spectacular stone sculptures. In this sense, it must be remembered that the Toltec name in the language Nahuatl means "teachers of the architecture".

Like the Mayans, the Toltec culture was based on their deep religious beliefs

They worshiped the God Quetzalcoatl, whose symbol was a serpent with Quetzal feathers that represented the underworld and Heaven.

According to Toltec legends, Quetzalcóatl was actually one of his leaders and due to his exploits he ended up becoming a divinity.

A town dedicated to commerce and with great knowledge for construction

The Toltec culture settled on fertile lands dedicated to corn, beans, and cotton, which were cultivated using complex canal systems. They also dedicated themselves to

production of handicrafts and the weaving of cotton garments. Thanks to this, they maintained an intense commercial activity with other neighboring towns (the Pochtecas were the social class dedicated to commerce and had great social recognition).

Apart from agriculture and commerce, the Toltecs focused on mining activity based on the exploitation of lime. They were skilled hunters and in some periods they had conflicts with other peoples.

The Toltecs traded with all kinds of products, such as gems, cocoa, cotton or feathers for ornamental purposes. The system exchange commercial was based on barter or on the use of cocoa as a currency.

The social and political structure

There were two social classes: an upper group led by military commanders, officials and priests and, on the other hand, the lower class made up of peasants and artisans.

Politically they had a system of government based on the theocracy and in military power. They were an expansionist people who imposed heavy tributes on neighboring peoples.

With respect to their disappearance, the Toltec civilization began to weaken towards the 11th century when the Chichimecas and other peoples rebelled against them. The city of Tula, famous today for the statues of the Atlanteans, was invaded by the Chichimecas and their inhabitants had to flee to other territories, especially the peninsula of Yucatan. This circumstance made the Toltecs gradually integrate into the Mayan culture.

Photos: Fotolia - Byelikova Oksana / Alice Nerr

Topics in Toltec Culture