Article written by Wagner Hertzog
The Toltec culture was a civilization of pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, which founded an empire normally inserted in the classic and post-classic period of Mesoamerican chronology, and whose capital was the city of Tollan-Xicocotitlan (Tula), of which little is known in the present day, by virtue of a great lack of information.
What is known concerning Toltec culture and civilization was a collection of texts transmitted by the Aztecs, who considered the Toltec their predecessors, portraying and disseminating them widely as the apogee of civilization. Nonetheless, the scientific community today finds itself highly divided as to whether or not to consider the Toltec civilization as a real and factual civilization of the past. Several scientists and archaeologists who have studied the Aztec inscriptions claim that the vast majority of the descriptions provided are purely mythological, arguing with cynicism and mistrust to what extent, in fact, Aztec narratives would be real portraits of an earlier civilization. Up to the present day, absolutely no consensus has emerged among the experts, regarding the Toltec civilization, and the debate continues.
What is known concerning Toltec culture and civilization was a collection of texts transmitted by the Aztecs, who considered the Toltec their predecessors, portraying and disseminating them widely as the apogee of civilization. Nonetheless, the scientific community today finds itself highly divided as to whether or not to consider the Toltec civilization as a real and factual civilization of the past. Several scientists and archaeologists who have studied the Aztec inscriptions claim that the vast majority of the descriptions provided are purely mythological, arguing with cynicism and mistrust to what extent, in fact, Aztec narratives would be real portraits of an earlier civilization. Up to the present day, absolutely no consensus has emerged among the experts, regarding the Toltec civilization, and the debate continues.
The study concerning Toltec historicity is not new, and has already generated frequent, disputed and heated debates. In the 21st century, the preponderance of seeing Toltec civilization as a myth constructed by the Aztecs seem to have gained new impetus, and prevails in some academic circles; the division established between scholars and researchers in the subject has only increased, to the point that today it is absolutely impossible to affirm with truthfulness who were (or weren’t) the Toltec. Another point of interest among Toltec culture enthusiasts is the great similarities between Tula and Chichén Itzá, a huge Mayan complex from the late classic period.
Nevertheless, despite the lack of consensus, and its existence being doubted for a long time, the statues, ruins, monuments and pyramids that exist today in Tula are considered products of the Toltec civilization. In this way, it is not surprising that Tula remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico, and the columns of Atlantean soldiers – four huge statues of 4.6m high Toltec warriors, carved in stone –, continues to fascinate tourists and travelers alike, and to intrigue archaeologists interested in Mesoamerican culture. While a definitive answer on Toltec culture does not exist, and apparently never will, at least there will be no shortage of research material, books and lectures, as well as controversial and interesting debates, on the Toltec in particular, and on civilizations of pre-Columbian Mesoamerica in general. Some of them are extremely mysterious, and are still surrounded by many uncertainties, such as the Toltec themselves, and others more known and widespread, such as the Mayans. But of course, all of them, equally fascinating, educational and interesting. At least, for those who like and appreciate.
Wagner
Nevertheless, despite the lack of consensus, and its existence being doubted for a long time, the statues, ruins, monuments and pyramids that exist today in Tula are considered products of the Toltec civilization. In this way, it is not surprising that Tula remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico, and the columns of Atlantean soldiers – four huge statues of 4.6m high Toltec warriors, carved in stone –, continues to fascinate tourists and travelers alike, and to intrigue archaeologists interested in Mesoamerican culture. While a definitive answer on Toltec culture does not exist, and apparently never will, at least there will be no shortage of research material, books and lectures, as well as controversial and interesting debates, on the Toltec in particular, and on civilizations of pre-Columbian Mesoamerica in general. Some of them are extremely mysterious, and are still surrounded by many uncertainties, such as the Toltec themselves, and others more known and widespread, such as the Mayans. But of course, all of them, equally fascinating, educational and interesting. At least, for those who like and appreciate.
Wagner
