Which Mesoamerican civilization arose in the tenth century and was later defeated by the Aztecs?

The Toltecs were a significant Mesoamerican civilization that emerged around the tenth century and played a crucial role in the cultural and political development of the region. They are often recognized for their advances in architecture, urban planning, and artistry. Their capital, Tula, became an influential center that impacted later cultures, especially the Aztecs.

The Toltecs are particularly notable for their military expansion and the establishment of a central authority that spread their influence throughout Mesoamerica, setting the stage for the cultural dynamics that followed. By the time the Aztecs rose to power, they looked to the Toltecs as a source of cultural heritage and legitimacy, adopting many aspects of their religion, architecture, and societal organization.

The other civilizations listed had different historical timelines and characteristics. The Olmecs are considered one of the earliest Mesoamerican cultures, primarily known for their colossal heads and influence on later cultures, but they had largely declined by the rise of the Toltecs. The Maya civilization reached its peak earlier than the Toltec rise, particularly during the Classic period, and while they continued to exist alongside later civilizations, they did not align directly with the timeline of the Toltec-Aztec transition. The Zapotecs developed their