WHI-Chap6/21-Toltecs
The Toltecs began to migrate into Tula, near modern Mexico City, in the 8th century. Tula was their capital city. Because of the lack of rain and thin soil, they had an irrigation system that took water out of the Tula River. With this supply they grew maize, peppers, beans, tomatoes, cotton and chiles. They had a large and powerful army which built a "compact regional empire." From the mid-tenth to mid-twelfth century they demanded tribute from conquered societies, this transformed Tula into a wealthy city with well-built houses. Tula was a center of weaving, pottery, and obsidian work. The Toltecs kept close relations with peoples on the Gulf and the Mayans. Starting in 1125 C.E. there were serious conflicts between different ethnic groups living in the empire, and by 1175 C.E. these problems combined with nomadic encroachment to end the Toltec society.
T&E p.540-541
