Who Were the Mysterious Toltecs? (Video)
The Toltecs are often seen as a mysterious and obscure civilization from Mexico and Central America, with much of what is known about them derived from Aztec legends. Debates surround their existence, with some considering them a "mother culture" emerging around 900 AD, while others view them as mere myth. According to Aztec oral history and codices, the Toltecs were a powerful and wise empire, living in the magnificent city of Tollan, renowned for its jade and gold structures. Quetzalcoatl, a revered king in Aztec lore, is credited with introducing Mesoamerican sciences, arts, and the cultivation of maize and cacao.
Quetzalcoatl's mythology extends to creation myths, where he and his brother Tezcatlipoca are said to have created the world from a monster. He also allegedly stole bones from the Underworld to create humanity, establishing the divine right of Aztec rulers who claimed descent from him. His teachings included time measurement, writing, and various crafts. However, legends tell of his fall due to the machinations of Tollan's sorcerers, leading to his departure and transformation into the morning star.
Historically, the Toltecs are thought to have been a Nahuatl-speaking tribe that rose to prominence in central Mexico between the 10th and 12th centuries AD. Their first settlement is believed to be Culhuacan under the leadership of Ce Técpatl Mixcoatl. The Toltecs' exact origins and their relationship with other cultures like the Maya remain subjects of scholarly debate. Despite the uncertainty, the Toltecs significantly influenced Mesoamerican culture, and their legacy persisted through the Aztecs, who integrated Toltec myths to legitimize their own rule. The Toltecs thus remain a crucial yet elusive part of Mesoamerican history, blending legend and fact.
Top image: Toltec Warriors or Atlantes columns at Pyramid of Quetzalcoatl in Tula, Mexico. Source: javarman/Adobe Stock
