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Ancient people -

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

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Toltec civilization -

But have you ever heard of the Toltec civilization?

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Mexico -

Mexico is the starting point for this chronological expedition.

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Capital -

This is Mexico City, the capital of Mexico.

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Fame -

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

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Relations -

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

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Origin -

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

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Ruins -

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

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Meaning -

Toltec is actually the word for somebody from Tula.

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Toltec population -

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

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Power -

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

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Cuisine -

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

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Pre-Colonization -

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

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Architecture -

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

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Features -

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

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Beliefs -

Monuments were built to worship two gods.

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Gods -

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

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Progress -

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

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Science -

They committed to studying astronomy and advancing medical research.

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Invasion -

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

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New civilization -

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

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Cultural heritage -

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

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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.'

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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.

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First agreement -

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

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Second agreement -

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

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Third agreement -

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

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Fourth agreement -

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

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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

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