© Getty Images

Ancient people -

You may be familiar with the Aztec or Mayan civilizations, people who lived in the Americas during the pre-Columbian era.

© Shutterstock

Toltec civilization -

But have you ever heard of the Toltec civilization?

© Shutterstock

Mexico -

Mexico is the starting point for this chronological expedition.

© Shutterstock

Capital -

This is Mexico City, the capital of Mexico.

© Shutterstock

Fame -

The city is famous for its traditional food and heavy traffic.

© Shutterstock

Relations -

What is the connection between this large city and the Toltecs, you may wonder?

© Shutterstock

Origin -

Plain and simple, Mexico is indeed the birthplace of Toltec culture.

© Shutterstock

Ruins -

The Toltec capital, Tula, is approximately 45 miles (70 km) away from Mexico City's ruins.

© Shutterstock

Meaning -

Toltec is actually the word for somebody from Tula.

© Shutterstock

Toltec population -

Experts believe that approximately 30,000 people lived in the ancient city.

© Shutterstock

Power -

Researchers have suggested that the Toltecs held significant power between the 10th and 12th centuries.

© Shutterstock

Cuisine -

The local grain amaranth played a vital role in the Toltec diet.

© Shutterstock

Pre-Colonization -

The Toltecs share similarities with other civilizations that existed prior to Christopher Columbus' arrival.

© Getty Images

Architecture -

The Toltecs, like the Aztecs and the Mayans, constructed numerous remarkable palaces and pyramids.

© Shutterstock

Features -

Some Toltec sculptures depicted both animals and humans combined in form.

© Shutterstock

Beliefs -

Monuments were built to worship two gods.

© Shutterstock

Gods -

Quetzalcoatl symbolized philosophy and fertility, while Tezcatlipoca was known for representing nature and the warrior, among other things.

© Shutterstock

Progress -

The Toltec civilization, despite its antiquity, displayed remarkable intelligence and sophistication in its society.

© Shutterstock

Science -

They committed to studying astronomy and advancing medical research.

© Shutterstock

Invasion -

However, the Chichimecas invaded the city of Tula during the 12th century and overcame the Toltecs. 

© Shutterstock

New civilization -

The Toltec people were exterminated and expelled from Tula, which marked the beginning of the Aztec Empire's formation.

© Shutterstock

Cultural heritage -

The Toltecs, similar to other ancient civilizations, left behind an important cultural heritage.

© Shutterstock

Spirituality -

The author Don Miguel Ruiz highlights the connection to spiritualism as one of its legacies. Ruiz has written many spiritual books based on Toltec principles, including 'The Four Agreements.'

© Shutterstock

Toltec wisdom -

Ruiz explains that the Toltecs established four attitudes or agreements to foster improved connections with life and others. This became the core focus of his book.

© Shutterstock

First agreement -

The first pillar of Toltec wisdom, as described by the author, is this: always be true to your word.

© Shutterstock

Second agreement -

The second pillar is: don't take anything personally.

© Shutterstock

Third agreement -

According to Ruiz, the third pillar is: don't make assumptions.

© Shutterstock

Fourth agreement -

Finally, the fourth pillar is: always be your best self.

© Shutterstock

Life advice -

Which agreement of Toltec philosophy do you find most challenging to incorporate into your daily life?

See also: The mysterious beauty of ancient Maya monuments

© Shutterstock