Tenochtitlan
Tenochtitlan was the capital city of the Aztec Empire in what is now Mexico, located in the Valley of Mexico on an island in Lake Texcoco. Here are some detailed insights into this remarkable ancient city:
History
- Founding: According to Aztec mythology, Tenochtitlan was founded in 1325 by the Mexica, one of the groups that would later become known as the Aztecs. They were guided by their god Huitzilopochtli to look for an eagle perched on a prickly pear cactus, devouring a snake, which they found on the island in Lake Texcoco.
- Expansion: Over the centuries, Tenochtitlan grew from a small settlement into a grand city. By the early 15th century, under the leadership of Itzcoatl, the city began its expansion, and by the reign of Moctezuma II, it had become the dominant power in Mesoamerica.
- Peak: At its height, Tenochtitlan was one of the largest cities in the world with estimates of its population reaching 200,000 to 300,000 people. It was larger than contemporary European cities like Paris and London.
- Conquest: The Spanish, led by Hernán Cortés, arrived in 1519. After forming alliances with various indigenous groups who were enemies of the Aztecs, they besieged Tenochtitlan, which fell in 1521 after a devastating siege and smallpox epidemic. The city was largely destroyed in the process.
Layout and Architecture
- Urban Planning: Tenochtitlan was meticulously planned with a central layout. The city was divided into four zones or quarters, with the Templo Mayor at its heart. These zones were further subdivided into calpullis, or community units.
- Infrastructure: The city was connected to the mainland by causeways and had an advanced system of canals for transportation. Chinampas, or floating gardens, provided agriculture within the city.
- Monuments: Notable structures included the Templo Mayor, a double pyramid dedicated to Tláloc and Huitzilopochtli, the Palace of Axayácatl, and the Great Temple.
Culture and Society
- Religion: Religion played a central role in Tenochtitlan. The city was the religious hub of the Aztec Empire, with numerous temples, sacrifices, and ceremonies.
- Marketplaces: The city had large marketplaces like the Tlatelolco Marketplace, where goods from all over Mesoamerica were traded.
- Education: There were institutions for education known as Tepochcalli and Calmecac, where the sons of nobility and commoners were educated respectively.
Legacy
- Modern Mexico City: The ruins of Tenochtitlan are located beneath modern-day Mexico City, which was built on its ruins after the Spanish conquest.
- Archaeological Sites: Excavations have uncovered parts of the city, including the Templo Mayor, which has become a significant archaeological site.
External Links for Further Reading
See Also