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Questions and Answers
What characterized the Valley of Mexico between AD 650 and 900?
What characterized the Valley of Mexico between AD 650 and 900?
What was a significant aspect of the Post-Classic era?
What was a significant aspect of the Post-Classic era?
Which of the following technologies saw a slowdown in innovation during the Post-Classic period?
Which of the following technologies saw a slowdown in innovation during the Post-Classic period?
What role did human sacrifice play during the Post-Classic era?
What role did human sacrifice play during the Post-Classic era?
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Which statement regarding the written records from the Post-Classic is accurate?
Which statement regarding the written records from the Post-Classic is accurate?
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What term was used by Spaniards to describe the northern tribes collectively known as Chichimecs?
What term was used by Spaniards to describe the northern tribes collectively known as Chichimecs?
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Who led the agricultural Tolteca-Chichimeca into the central valley at the beginning of the tenth century?
Who led the agricultural Tolteca-Chichimeca into the central valley at the beginning of the tenth century?
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What significant action did Topiltzin-Quetzalcoatl take upon reaching manhood?
What significant action did Topiltzin-Quetzalcoatl take upon reaching manhood?
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Where did Topiltzin-Quetzalcoatl found the city of Tula?
Where did Topiltzin-Quetzalcoatl found the city of Tula?
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What is a notable characteristic attributed to Topiltzin-Quetzalcoatl in the legends derived from Aztec accounts?
What is a notable characteristic attributed to Topiltzin-Quetzalcoatl in the legends derived from Aztec accounts?
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What event is said to have occurred when Topiltzin-Quetzalcoatl left Tula?
What event is said to have occurred when Topiltzin-Quetzalcoatl left Tula?
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Which imagery was prevalent in the artistic representations associated with the Toltecs?
Which imagery was prevalent in the artistic representations associated with the Toltecs?
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What significant event occurred in the year 1519 relating to Topiltzin-Quetzalcoatl's legend?
What significant event occurred in the year 1519 relating to Topiltzin-Quetzalcoatl's legend?
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What factors contributed to the decline of the Toltecs between the late eleventh century and 1156?
What factors contributed to the decline of the Toltecs between the late eleventh century and 1156?
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What was one of the consequences of the collapse of Tula for Mexico?
What was one of the consequences of the collapse of Tula for Mexico?
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What role did Tula play in the obsidian trade?
What role did Tula play in the obsidian trade?
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Which deity was associated with the night sky and fate in Toltec belief?
Which deity was associated with the night sky and fate in Toltec belief?
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What was a significant conflict in Mesoamerican society during the Toltec rule?
What was a significant conflict in Mesoamerican society during the Toltec rule?
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What event led to the exile of Topiltzin, the high priest of Quetzalcoatl?
What event led to the exile of Topiltzin, the high priest of Quetzalcoatl?
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What was the population of Tula compared to Teotihuacan?
What was the population of Tula compared to Teotihuacan?
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Study Notes
Post-Classic Mexico
- The Classic period's order, imposed by Teotihuacan, fragmented into transition centers north of the Mayan region.
- Knowledge of the Valley of Mexico (AD 650-900) is limited, but movement and migration increased during the decline of the Classic.
- City-states like Cholula, Xochicalco, and El Tajín competed for control, failing to unite.
- The Post-Classic era (AD 900-early 16th century) saw rising long-distance exchange and economic integration in Mesoamerica.
- Paquimé/Casas Grandes in NW Mexico (linking to the US Southwest) exemplifies long-distance trade.
- Cotton quilted armor and bows and arrows represent Post-Classic technological advancements.
- Metalworking, though introduced, was limited, mostly for jewelry and arrow tips.
- Military power increased in the Late Classic, elevating warriors' standing and prompting tribute-based conquests.
- Human sacrifice became common, believed crucial for cosmic balance.
- Written records grew in number, offering more clarity, but accounts are often unclear and myth-laden, with details varying.
The Toltecs
- The Toltecs, originating in northern Zacatecas, migrated to the Central Valley around 900 AD, led by Mixcoatl.
- Mixcoatl was assassinated and Mixcoatl's wife fled, giving birth to the cultural hero Topiltzin-Quetzalcoatl. (possibly AD 947)
- Topiltzin-Quetzalcoatl is a prominent figure in Aztec myths, known for opposing human sacrifice and having fair complexion and beard..
- He established Tula, an important urban center, 50 miles NW of present Mexico City.
- Tula saw significant growth and trade, especially in obsidian, and influenced surrounding areas, though its rule lasted about two centuries.
- Tula's culture, emphasizing warfare, was characterized by large statues of warriors and symbolic imagery.
- Tula's wealth and power declined due to prolonged drought, famine, internal strife, and likely cultural shifts.
- Topiltzin-Quetzalcoatl, faced with internal conflict and hardship, left Tula.
The Zapotecs and Mixtecs
- The Zapotecs remained a powerful culture in Oaxaca, with Zaachila and Mitla as important centers.
- Mitla showcased intricate geometric stonework and complex water systems.
- The Mixtecs inhabited mountain regions west and north, influenced by the Toltecs.
- Mixtecs reached prominence through alliances and marriage into Zapotec royalty.
- They developed sophisticated art and impressive picture codices (e.g., Selden Codex) detailing their history, social structures, and trade.
- Mixtec craftsmanship included fine jewelry in gold and silver.
The Post-Classic Maya
- The Yucatan Peninsula experienced a transformation from the decline of the Classic Maya.
- Newcomers, potentially refugees from Classic zones or influenced by Toltec cultures, arrived, impacting the Maya's political and social structures.
- Chichen Itza rose as a major Post-Classic Maya center, influenced by Toltec styles and warfare concepts.
- Chichen Itza embraced elements of Mesoamerican culture, including the worship of gods like Quetzalcoatl (Kukulcan), Itzamna, and Chac.
- Post-Classic Maya centers, like Chichen Itza, and Uxmal, displayed advancements in architecture and trade but were less complex than earlier Classic centers.
- Mayapan rose to prominence in the Yucatán peninsula following the fall of Chichen Itza.
- Mayapan became a critical trading hub, influencing social structures and trade.
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Description
Explore the significant changes and developments in Mesoamerica during the Post-Classic period. From the rise of city-states to advancements in technology and trade, this quiz covers the key aspects of this transformative era. Test your knowledge of human sacrifice, military power, and the economic integration of the region.
