1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Archaeology

Totonac Culture

By , About.com Guide

Definition: The Totanac Culture was a rival city state to the Aztecs, who had ruled most of what is now Veracruz in Mexico before the Aztecs conquered them about 25 years before the Spanish conquistador Cortés landed in AD 1516. The capital city of the Totanac culture was at Zempoala, and at the time of the Spanish arrival, they numbered about 100,000 people.

This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
Examples:
Quiahuitzlan, Santa Luisa, Villa Rica, Zempoala, Isla de Sacrificios (all in Veracruz)

Explore Archaeology

About.com Special Features

A Smarter Future

Tips that will help finance your education, excel in the classroom, and advance your career. More >

How to Ace the GRE

Being well prepared is the first step; here are more essential suggestions. More >

  1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Archaeology
  4. Archaeology by Country
  5. Mesoamerica
  6. Civilizations and Cultures
  7. Totonac Culture>

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.