The government of the Toltecs was a monarchical, theocratic and militaristic government. The dominance of the Toltecs prompted the rise of militarism in Mesoamerica.
Consultation with the gods played a fundamental role in decision-making, and political power was in the hands of the Toltec warriors.
The Toltecs, who were predominantly located north of the Mexican highlands, developed a prosperous civilization between the 10th and 12th centuries AD.
Its main urban center was located about 80 kilometers from Mexico City, in the city of Tollan-Xicocotitlan, currently known as Tula de Allende, in the state of Hidalgo.
Characteristics of the government of the Toltecs
In its beginnings, the Toltecs were characterized by being a nomadic civilization. It was a warrior people that alternated their permanence between towns, in order to expand their domains.
At that time, the leader of the city on duty was called "knight in charge of the city government." There is a record of 7 knights of this nature, namely: Zacatl, Chalcatzin, Ehecatzin, Cohualtzin, Tzihuacoatl, Metzotzin and Tlapalmetzotzin.
Later, the government of the Toltecs turned upside down and became theocratic; that is, the Toltec leaders considered that political authority was directly designated by the gods. Consequently, the power figures were priests.
This theocratic structure was assumed between the 7th and 9th centuries after Christ, when the nomadism of the Toltecs ended.
From then on, it was essential to verify the position of the gods before any political or military decision before its execution.
The priests enjoyed an important influence in the administrative procedures of the Toltec government. However, the baton in the political sphere was carried by the figures of war.
The Toltecs were recognized for their militaristic and monarchical rule. Political representatives, including the king, were usually war veterans, and these were for life and hereditary succession positions.
They had a warlike political structure, which was deeply related to the religious cults of Quetzalcoatl (feathered serpent).
The Toltecs used to make human sacrifices through the offering of prisoners of war, as a tribute to the gods of their veneration.
The monarchy of the Toltecs
The monarchy of the Toltecs took place when this civilization was established in the city of Tollan-Xicocotitlan, at the end of the nomadic era.
The monarchs were known by the name of tlahtoques. There is a record of 8 monarchs between the years 667 and 1052 after Christ, although some of their names are unknown. The terms of command are detailed below:
- Period: from 667 to 719 d. C.
- Period: from 719 to 771 d. C.
- Period: from 771 to 823 d. C.
- Period: from 823 to 875 AD. C.
- Period: from 875 to 927 AD. C.
- Period: from 927 to 976 d. C.
- Xiuhtzatzin (Queen). Period: from 979 to 1031 AD. C.
- Topiltzin-Quetzalcóalt. Period: 1031-1052 AD
References
- Cartwright, M. (2013). Toltec Civilization. Ancient History Encyclopedia. Recovered from: ancient.eu
- The Toltecas (2019). The Guide 2000. México DF, México. Recovered from: laguia2000.com
- Ramírez, E. (2017). The 10 Characteristics of the Toltec Most Important Culture. Recovered from: lifepersona.com
- Toltecs. (1998). London England. Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. Recovered from: britannica.com
- Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia (2017). Toltec culture. Recovered from: es.wikipedia.org