The Post-Classic Period

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The Post-Classic Period is the time between the year 900 AD and the conquest of Mesoamerica by the Spaniards between 1521 and 1697 AD. The Post-Classic era was a period in Maya history where military activity became of great importance in order to meet the drastically changing political climate. It was during this time that the political elites were once associated with the priestly class had been relieved of power by groups of warriors.
During the Post-Classic period, at least a half century before the arrival of the Spaniards, the Maya warrior class had yielded its positions of privilege to a very powerful group that were unconnected to the nobility called the “Pochtecas.” The Pochtecas were merchants whom had obtained great political
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It was during times of need and desperation that they were easily able to seat themselves as rulers when a current ruling noble house has fallen or lost its influence over the populace.
The Post-Classic period is really divided into two phases: The first phase is during the early part of the Post-Classic period leading all the way up to the early 13th century. This period of time is characterized by Toltec influence whom had their capital in Tula, just north of the Maya.
The second phase is during the late Post-Classic period begins during the late 12th century when the Chichimec people began to arrive. These people were linguistically related to the Toltecs and the Mexica. They'd began moving into Mesoamerica and encroaching upon the Maya whom were being pushed North because of environment.
These migratory movements by northern people were the result of many social changes that took place during the final period of Mesoamerican civilization. These people came from the northern regions of Mesoamerica. They were also driven by climate changes that threatened their survival. The migrations from the north caused displacement of many people whom had been long rooted in Mesoamerica for