Postclassic Period
Quick Summary
The Postclassic period in Mesoamerican history spans from approximately 900 to 1519 CE, ending with the Spanish conquest. This era followed the collapse of many Classic Maya civilizations and saw the rise of new empires, such as the Toltec and later the Aztec.12
Key characteristics of the Postclassic include:
* Political and Social Changes: Increased warfare, the development of large empires and true cities, and a shift towards more secular governments compared to the preceding Classic period.12
* Technological Advancements: While still reliant on stone tools, metallurgy (gold, copper, silver) emerged for ornaments and some tools. Agriculture remained highly productive, with corn as a staple.2
* Cultural and Religious Unity: Despite regional differences, a shared religious ideology, including the worship of a Sun god and a complex calendrical system, persisted across Mesoamerica. Writing systems were used to record history and astronomical observations.13
The period ended with the arrival of Spanish conquistadors, notably Hernán Cortés, who conquered the Aztec Empire.12
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