Tula, in the state of Hidalgo, is represented today by the remains of a large city, smaller than the earlier Teotihuacan but impressive nonetheless. While Xochicalco was flourishing, between the 7th and 9th centuries, the Toltecs, a warlike tribe who were responsible for the final destruction of Teotihuacan, were gradually becoming more civilized. During the 9th century they founded a great capital north of Teotihuacan: this was Tula, or Tollan. The center of the site is dominated by several squat but sizable temple pyramids. According to legend Tula was ruled by a semi-mythical king who had the title of Quetzalcoatl, and who had been bewitched, ruined and driven from the city by the dreaded god Tezcatlipoca, the patron of sorcerers and warriors.
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