Ancient history

Why did the Aztecs build main Aztec capital where they did?

1. Geography and Natural Resources:

- The Valley of Mexico, where Tenochtitlan (the main Aztec capital) was located, offered several geographical advantages.

- The valley was surrounded by mountains and offered protection from outside invasions.

- The nearby lakes provided abundant resources, including fish, water, and materials for construction and trade.

- The marshy land of the lakes allowed for the Aztecs to develop agricultural techniques, such as chinampas (raised fields), to increase food production.

2. Political and Religious Significance:

- The Aztecs believed that the gods had instructed them to build their capital at the spot where they found an eagle perched on a cactus devouring a serpent.

- This event was considered an omen that marked the foundation of Tenochtitlan, making it a sacred and significant location for the Aztecs.

- Tenochtitlan became a religious center, with numerous temples and religious ceremonies, which further solidified its importance.

3. Trade and Economic Center:

- The Valley of Mexico and Tenochtitlan were located at a strategic point for trade routes, connecting different regions of Mesoamerica.

- This allowed the Aztecs to establish a vast trade network and control important trade routes, enhancing their economic prosperity and power.

- The city became a bustling marketplace where various goods, including food, jewelry, textiles, and luxury items, were traded.

4. Defensive Advantage:

- The location of Tenochtitlan, amidst the lakes, provided the Aztecs with a natural defense mechanism against potential enemies.

- The city could only be reached through causeways, which made it easier to control access and defend against attacks.

- The island city had a defensible position, further enhancing its strategic importance.

5. Engineering Achievements:

- The Aztecs had advanced engineering skills, which allowed them to overcome the challenges of building a city in a marshy area.

- They constructed causeways, canals, and aqueducts to manage the water flow and connect the city to the mainland.

- These engineering accomplishments demonstrated the Aztecs' ingenuity and their ability to transform the landscape to suit their needs.