What were the main features of Tenochtitlan?
The Aztec built their capital city, Tenochtitlan, on Lake Texcoco. Built on two islands, the area was extended using chinampas—small, artificial islands created above the waterline that were later consolidated. Tenochtitlan eventually reached an area of more than 13 square kilometers (five square miles).
What is the best definition of Tenochtitlan?
(tɛˌnɔːtʃtiːˈtlɑːn ) noun. an ancient city and capital of the Aztec empire on the present site of Mexico City; razed by Cortés in 1521.
How did the Spanish describe Tenochtitlan?
Bernal Diaz del Castillo, one of Cortés’ men, describes Tenochtitlán: When we saw all those cities and villages built on water; and the other great towns on dry land, and that straight and level causeway leading to Mexico, we were astounded.
What does Tenochtitlan represent?
Today the ruins of Tenochtitlan are located in the central part of Mexico City. Its name comes from Nahuatl tetl and nōchtli and means “Among the prickly pears [growing among] rocks”.
Why was Tenochtitlan so important?
In less than 200 years, it evolved from a small settlement on an island in the western swamps of Lake Texcoco into the powerful political, economic, and religious center of the greatest empire of Precolumbian Mexico. Tenochtitlan was a city of great wealth, obtained through the spoils of tribute from conquered regions.
What makes Tenochtitlan so astounding and unique?
The small natural island was perpetually enlarged as an artificial island as Tenochtitlan grew to become the largest and most powerful city in Mesoamerica. Commercial routes were developed that brought goods from places as far as the Gulf of Mexico, the Pacific Ocean and perhaps even the Inca Empire.
Why is Tenochtitlan important?
What is Tenochtitlan called today?
Mexico City
Tenochtitlán, ancient capital of the Aztec empire. Located at the site of modern Mexico City, it was founded c. 1325 in the marshes of Lake Texcoco.
Why was Tenochtitlán important?
How was Tenochtitlán destroyed?
Cortés’s army besieged Tenochtitlán for 93 days, and a combination of superior weaponry and a devastating smallpox outbreak enabled the Spanish to conquer the city. Cortés’s victory destroyed the Aztec empire, and the Spanish began to consolidate control over what became the colony of New Spain.
What makes Tenochtitlan unique?
What made Tenochtitlan unique?
Tenochtitlán was an Aztec city that flourished between A.D. 1325 and 1521. Built on an island on Lake Texcoco, it had a system of canals and causeways that supplied the hundreds of thousands of people who lived there.
What is the meaning of the word Tenochtitlan?
Definitions for Tenochtitlan Tenochti·t·lan. Here are all the possible meanings and translations of the word Tenochtitlan. The capital of the Aztec empire (now Mexico City). Origin: From Classical Nahuatl Tenochtitlan. Tenochtitlan was a Nahua altepetl located on an island in Lake Texcoco, in the Valley of Mexico.
When did Tenochtitlan become the capital of Mexico?
The date 13 March 1325, was chosen in 1925 to celebrate the 600th anniversary of the city. The city was built on an island in what was then Lake Texcoco in the Valley of Mexico. The city was the capital of the expanding Aztec Empire in the 15th century until it was captured by the Spanish in 1521 .
How did the Spanish win the Battle of Tenochtitlan?
Cortés’s army besieged Tenochtitlán for 93 days, and a combination of superior weaponry and a devastating smallpox outbreak enabled the Spanish to conquer the city. Cortés’s victory destroyed the Aztec empire, and the Spanish began to consolidate control over what became the colony of New Spain.
Where was the ceremonial center of Tenochtitlan located?
In the center of the city were the public buildings, temples, and palaces. Inside a walled square, 500 meters to a side, was the ceremonial center.