TOLTECS Meaning and
Definition
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The Toltecs were a Mesoamerican civilization that flourished during the Postclassic period, from approximately the 10th to the 12th century CE. The term "Toltecs" refers to both the people who formed this civilization and the culture they developed. They were an influential group in Central Mexico, primarily occupying the area that includes present-day states such as Hidalgo, Puebla, and Mexico.
The Toltecs are often associated with their capital city, Tula, which served as the political and cultural center of their civilization. They were renowned for their expertise in various fields, including architecture, sculpture, astronomy, and military strategies. The Toltecs were known for their distinctive style of art, characterized by elaborate and intricate designs, vivid colors, and human and animal depictions. They also excelled in the crafting of pottery, jewelry, and textiles.
The civilization of the Toltecs is often considered influential on subsequent Mesoamerican cultures, particularly the Aztecs. Many aspects of their religion, mythology, and social organization are believed to have influenced later civilizations in the region. The Toltecs are associated with important deities such as Quetzalcoatl, the Feathered Serpent god, who played a significant role in Mesoamerican cosmology.
Despite the prominence of the Toltecs in Mesoamerican history, their exact origins and the causes for their decline remain subjects of debate among scholars. Some theories suggest that internal conflicts, climate change, or external invasions contributed to their downfall.
Overall, the Toltecs were a significant civilization that contributed to the rich cultural tapestry of Mesoamerica, leaving behind an enduring legacy that influenced subsequent civilizations in the region.
Etymology of TOLTECS
The word "Toltecs" is derived from the Nahuatl language, which was spoken by the indigenous peoples of Mesoamerica, particularly the Aztecs. In Nahuatl, the word is "Tōltēcah", plural of "Tōltēcatl", which refers to the people associated with the ancient civilization known as the Toltec empire.
The exact meaning of the word "Toltec" is a subject of debate among scholars. The most commonly accepted interpretation is that it comes from the Nahuatl word "tōlli" which means "reed", and "tecatl" which means "person". Therefore, "Tōltēcah" may be translated as "people of the reed", suggesting a connection to the region's marshy environment.
