1. Wars: One of the main factors that contributed to the fall of the Toltec Empire was warfare. The Toltecs were constantly at war with their neighbors, and these wars often resulted in heavy casualties and material losses. The constant warfare weakened the empire and made it more susceptible to other challenges.
2. Drought: Another factor that contributed to the collapse of the Toltec Empire was a prolonged drought. The Toltecs relied heavily on agriculture, and the lack of rain caused widespread famine and social unrest. The drought also weakened the empire's economy and made it difficult to maintain its military strength.
3. Internal conflicts: The Toltec Empire also faced internal conflicts, including political instability and power struggles. These conflicts divided the empire and made it difficult to unite against common threats. The rise of rival factions further weakened the empire and contributed to its eventual downfall.
4. Invasion by the Chichimecs: In the 12th century, the Toltec Empire was invaded by a nomadic group called the Chichimecs. The Chichimecs were a fierce and powerful enemy, and their invasion further weakened the empire. The Chichimecs eventually conquered the Toltec capital of Tula, which led to the collapse of the empire.
5. Abandonment of Tula: After the Chichimec invasion, Tula was abandoned by its inhabitants. The Toltecs dispersed and resettled in different regions, and the empire fell into decline. The reasons for the abandonment of Tula are not entirely clear, but it may have been due to a combination of factors, such as war, drought, and disease.
The fall of the Toltec Empire was a complex event that was influenced by a variety of factors. Warfare, drought, internal conflicts, and the Chichimec invasion all played a role in the collapse of the empire. The Toltecs left a lasting legacy in the form of their culture, architecture, and traditions, but their empire fell into decline and eventually disappeared.