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When discussing pre-Columbian civilizations, our thoughts often turn to the Aztecs, the Mayans, and the Incas. However, in addition to these prominent groups, there were other civilizations that made significant contributions to science, gastronomy, and spirituality. The Toltecs, for example, lived in the 10th century in what we know today as Mexico.
If you are eager to embark on a journey to the past, you can expect to encounter breathtaking landscapes, remarkable monuments, and ancient wisdom that will inspire and astonish you. Click through the gallery to get started.
You may be familiar with the Aztec or Mayan civilizations, people who lived in the Americas during the pre-Columbian era.
But have you ever heard of the Toltec civilization?
Mexico is the starting point for this chronological expedition.
This is Mexico City, the capital of Mexico.
The city is famous for its traditional food and heavy traffic.
What is the connection between this large city and the Toltecs, you may wonder?
Plain and simple, Mexico is indeed the birthplace of Toltec culture.
The Toltec capital, Tula, is approximately 45 miles (70 km) away from Mexico City's ruins.
Toltec is actually the word for somebody from Tula.
Experts believe that approximately 30,000 people lived in the ancient city.
Researchers have suggested that the Toltecs held significant power between the 10th and 12th centuries.
The local grain amaranth played a vital role in the Toltec diet.
The Toltecs share similarities with other civilizations that existed prior to Christopher Columbus' arrival.
The Toltecs, like the Aztecs and the Mayans, constructed numerous remarkable palaces and pyramids.
Some Toltec sculptures depicted both animals and humans combined in form.
Monuments were built to worship two gods.
Quetzalcoatl symbolized philosophy and fertility, while Tezcatlipoca was known for representing nature and the warrior, among other things.
The Toltec civilization, despite its antiquity, displayed remarkable intelligence and sophistication in its society.
They committed to studying astronomy and advancing medical research.
However, the Chichimecas invaded the city of Tula during the 12th century and overcame the Toltecs.
The Toltec people were exterminated and expelled from Tula, which marked the beginning of the Aztec Empire's formation.
The Toltecs, similar to other ancient civilizations, left behind an important cultural heritage.
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.'
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.
The first pillar of Toltec wisdom, as described by the author, is this: always be true to your word.
The second pillar is: don't take anything personally.
According to Ruiz, the third pillar is: don't make assumptions.
Finally, the fourth pillar is: always be your best self.
Which agreement of Toltec philosophy do you find most challenging to incorporate into your daily life?
Toltecs: the mysteries and wisdom of an ancient civilization
This short-lived civilization left behind priceless treasures
TRAVEL History
When discussing pre-Columbian civilizations, our thoughts often turn to the Aztecs, the Mayans, and the Incas. However, in addition to these prominent groups, there were other civilizations that made significant contributions to science, gastronomy, and spirituality. The Toltecs, for example, lived in the 10th century in what we know today as Mexico. If you are eager to embark on a journey to the past, you can expect to encounter breathtaking landscapes, remarkable monuments, and ancient wisdom that will inspire and astonish you. Click through the gallery to get started.