Society and culture
Toltec culture revolved around the urban center of Tula, which was located about 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of what is now Mexico City. Its name meant “the place of the reeds.” Close to Tula was a swamp full of reeds, which the Toltec used to weave baskets.
At its height, Tula had a population of about 40,000. The Toltec at Tula relied on farming for most of their food. Surrounding the city were fields watered by irrigation ditches. There the Toltec grew corn, squash, and cotton. Near their houses they also had small gardens of herbs and plants used to make medicines.
Most Toltec lived in small groups of houses clustered around a shared courtyard. They were built out of clay bricks that kept the heat out in the summer and the cold out in winter. Tula also featured great pyramids and palaces with painted murals. Their rulers' houses were decorated with large stone sculptures called Chac-Mools. Carved in the shapes of fallen warriors, they probably were used to hold the hearts of people sacrificed during religious ceremonies.
Toltec craftsmen were also known for the objects they made from gold, silver, and copper. These metals were obtained by the Toltec through trade with other Indians. The Toltec also made beautiful clothing from bird feathers and sharp tools from obsidian, a type of volcanic rock.
History
In about AD 900, the warlike Toltec first arrived in what is now central Mexico. They were united under the leadership of Mixcóatl, whose name meant “Cloud Serpent.” He encouraged his people to study the art and scholarship from other Indian peoples, including the Olmec and the Maya. As a result, the Toltec were affected by many of the achievements of other cultures.
Toltec culture continued to thrive under Mixcóatl's son, Topiltzin. Topiltzin took the name Quetzalcóatl, or “Feathered Serpent.” Quetzalcóatl was considered a god by other Indian groups, such as the Maya and the Aztec.
Beginning in the 12th century, Indians from the north began invading the Toltec's lands. They were called the Chichimec, meaning “dog people.” The invaders destroyed Tula in about AD 1160. Although the Chichimec helped bring an end to the Toltec civilization, they adopted many of the Toltec's ways. Among the Chichimec were the Aztec, or Mexica, who created the next great Indian culture in Mesoamerica.