The Toltec civilization, which predates that of the Aztecs, was a pre-Columbian Mesoamerican culture that ruled in Mexico during the 10th through 12th centuries. The Toltec people established the city of Tula in Hidalgo, Mexico, 40 miles from Mexico City, and worshipped the iconic feathered serpent god Quetzalcoatl. Archaeologists cite the Toltec civilization as one of the great Mesoamerican cultures. Historically, the society is considered culturally rich, as is evident in its advanced art, writing, and knowledge. In addition, evidence shows that the Toltec society pursued commerce with other Mesoamerican societies and was particularly noted for its obsidian industry. The reasons for the downfall of the Toltec civilization are unknown, although the Toltec people were presumed to be violent and warlike people (World History Encyclopedia). Ruiz differentiated the Toltec civilization from others—like the Aztec, Mayan, and Olmec civilizations—in that its people were “a society, unified by an esoteric spirituality that was passed from generation to generation of Toltec, then to the other great civilizations that succeeded them” (Toltec Wisdom, Ana Figueroa, AARP VIVA, April 2004).

Rather than a race or religion, the Toltec civilization was a society of scientists and artists who sought to explore and conserve ancient spiritual knowledge and practices.