Did the Toltecs invent nixtamalization?

The question of whether the Toltecs invented nixtamalization is a subject of debate among historians and anthropologists. Nixtamalization is the process of soaking maize (corn) in an alkaline solution, usually lime water, which softens the kernels, improves their nutritional value, and makes them more easily ground into masa, the dough used to make tortillas and other traditional Mexican dishes. While it's difficult to pinpoint the exact origin of this process, there are several points to consider in the discussion:

1. Indigenous Origins

Nixtamalization predates the arrival of Europeans in the Americas and has been practiced by indigenous peoples in Mesoamerica for thousands of years. The exact origins of the process are difficult to determine due to the lack of written records from pre-Columbian times.

2. Toltec Influence

The Toltec civilization, which flourished in central Mexico between the 10th and 12th centuries AD, is often credited with spreading cultural and technological innovations throughout Mesoamerica. Some scholars suggest that the Toltecs may have played a role in popularizing nixtamalization and spreading knowledge of the process to other indigenous groups.

3. Archaeological Evidence

Archaeological evidence, including remnants of nixtamalized maize found at ancient Mesoamerican sites, suggests that the practice predates the rise of the Toltec civilization. For example, traces of nixtamalization have been discovered at sites such as Teotihuacan, which flourished centuries before the emergence of the Toltecs.

4. Continuity of Tradition

Nixtamalization was a widespread practice among various indigenous cultures in Mesoamerica, including the Maya, Aztecs, Zapotecs, and others. It was an integral part of their culinary traditions and played a crucial role in their diets. The continuity of this tradition across different cultures suggests that it predates the rise of any single civilization, including the Toltecs.

In conclusion, while the Toltecs may have contributed to the spread and refinement of nixtamalization in Mesoamerica, it is unlikely that they were its inventors. The practice likely originated among indigenous peoples in the region long before the rise of any major civilization and was subsequently adopted and adapted by cultures throughout Mesoamerica.