The Toltec Empire

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

What were the possible causes of the decline of the cities in central Mexico before the rise of the Toltec empire?

Severe drought or revolts by populations that had used up the natural resources of the area.

What was the time period during which the Toltec empire reached the height of its power?

Between 950 and 1150.

What was a significant contribution of Toltec artisans to Mesoamerica?

The introduction of metalworking.

What event marked the beginning of the decline of the Toltec empire around 1125?

The Toltec Empire began to decline, and within a few decades, groups of invaders, including Aztec people, attacked and burned the Toltec city of Tollan. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main occupation of the Toltec people?

Growing crops of beans, maize, and pepper in irrigated fields. Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of the decline of the Toltec empire in central Mexico?

For nearly 200 years, there was no ruling group in central Mexico. Signup and view all the answers

What led to the start of farming in the Americas?

The climate growing warmer after the last Ice Age and people learning to plant seeds of grains and other plants Signup and view all the answers

What region in the Americas was suited for farming due to its rich, volcanic soil and mild climate?

Mesoamerica, which includes lands stretching from central Mexico to Costa Rica in Central America Signup and view all the answers

What was the most important food in the Americas, which took longer to develop but became a staple crop?

Corn, also known as maize Signup and view all the answers

What did the growth and trade of crops help early Americans form?

More complex societies Signup and view all the answers

What people built the oldest culture in Mesoamerica, which lasted around 800 years?

The Olmec Signup and view all the answers

What two products did the Olmec produce, in addition to growing beans, in the tropical lowlands along the Gulf of Mexico?

Salt and traded goods Signup and view all the answers

What did the Olmec artisans use jade for?

jewelry Signup and view all the answers

What was the name of the first planned city in the Americas built by the inland peoples in central Mexico?

Teotihuacán Signup and view all the answers

What was the name of the capital city built by the Zapotec people in south central Mexico?

Monte Albán Signup and view all the answers

What type of writing system did the Zapotec people develop?

hieroglyphs Signup and view all the answers

Where did the Maya people prosper, and what did they do?

in the steamy rain forests of the Yucatán Peninsula; traded throughout Mesoamerica Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Teotihuacán and the Zapotec around the 300s to 500s?

They declined Signup and view all the answers