Tenochtitlan | History, Population, Location & Facts

The Aztec Empire’s capital and geographic center was Tenochtitlan. It was established in 1325 and served as the nation’s capital until the conquest of the Aztecs by Hernan Cortes in 1520.

Where did it stand?

Tenochtitlan was situated in what is now south central Mexico on a swampy island in Lake Texcoco. Because no one else was interested in the region, the Aztecs were free to settle there. It wasn’t the best location to establish a city at first, but the Aztecs eventually created islands where they could cultivate crops. Additionally, the water served as a line of natural protection against assaults from nearby cities.

Canals and Causeways

The Aztecs constructed canals and causeways early in the city’s history to facilitate travel to and from it. A causeway is an elevated path that helped people cross swampy and damp places with ease. From the island metropolis to the mainland, there were three significant causeways. Additionally, the causeways had bridges incorporated into them that could be crossed by canoes and small boats. In the event of an attack on the city, these bridges could be taken down.

The city was extensively canalized by the Aztecs. The huge city’s canals served as waterways that made it simple for people to navigate in boats. The city’s grid-like layout and thoughtful planning made getting about the place simple.

City Center

There was a sizable area where many of the public events were held in the city center. Here, they constructed the temples dedicated to the gods of the Aztecs, as well as a court where they played the game Ullama. The Templo Mayor, a pyramid-shaped temple, was the biggest one. In order to be close to the gods, it was the city’s tallest structure. The priests’ quarters, schools, and the Tzompantli, a display of human skulls, were among the additional structures in the city center.

Marketplace

Markets could be found all over the city, where people would exchange products and food. Up to 40,000 people would congregate in one large marketplace on feast days to purchase supplies and food for festivities.

Why did the Aztecs choose a swampy island as their home?

The Aztecs required a new home after the Culhuacan drove them from their valley residence. They claimed to have received a sign from the gods. The Aztecs need to establish themselves where they observed an eagle perched atop a cactus and holding a serpent. They started to establish a new town when they came upon this sign on a marshy island in the lake.

What size was it?

Tenochtitlan was a sizable metropolis with a land area of roughly 5 kilometers. Nearly 200,000 people, according to some historians, may have resided in the city during its busiest.

Is it still standing now?

The Spanish and Hernan Cortes demolished the majority of Tenochtitlan’s structures. The position of Mexico City, the nation’s capital during the time, is the same. The ruins of Tenochtitlan have been found close to Mexico City’s downtown.

Tenochtitlan Facts You Should Know

The city’s residents had access to two aqueducts that were over 2.5 miles long as they entered the area.

There were instances when 8,000 people or more would congregate in the center.

There were 20 districts and four zones in the city.

The Aztec emperors constructed their palaces close to the area of temples. They were substantial stone buildings with up to 50 rooms, their own gardens, and ponds.

An area of the lake was enclosed by a 10-mile-long dike that was constructed by the Aztecs. It kept the water clean and prevented flooding in the city.