The Civilization Of The Toltecs (C.E. 800-1200)

The Toltecs were a diverse group of people that are said to have appeared between 800 to 900 C.E. They built the city of Tollan located fifty miles north of Mexico City. According to sources, the Toltecs were one of the first to use and become experts in metallurgy (metal sculpture) using copper and gold for their work. They were also masters at architecture, building temples and pyramids for their gods. There many gods also led to a common practice of sacrifice which included humans.

Sources indicate that their downfall was due to two main conflicting ideologies. Half of the Toltecs worshipped and followed a militaristic diety while the others followed a peaceful God. This division among the people coupled with plague and immigration from the North caused stress and left the Toltecs weak and vulnerable thus allowing other tribes the opportunity to attack. In the year 1200 C.E. the Toltecs finally collapsed but not without leaving behind an everlasting effect on future cultures.