Tenochtitlan

aztec · ancient cities · mexico · engineering

Built on an island. Tenochtitlan was constructed right in the middle of Lake Texcoco in the Valley of Mexico. The Aztecs were incredibly clever builders who created a thriving city where you might expect only water.

Founded in 1325. The city was established on March 13, 1325, though historians aren't completely sure of the exact original date. This date was officially chosen in 1925 to mark the city's 600th anniversary.

Aztec capital. Tenochtitlan became the heart of the powerful and expanding Aztec Empire during the 15th century. It was the center of Aztec government, religion, and culture.

Fell in 1521. Spanish conquistadors and their allies, the Tlaxcaltec people, captured Tenochtitlan in 1521. This marked the end of the Aztec Empire and changed the history of Mexico forever.

Lake city engineering. The Aztecs built their city with amazing engineering including causeways, canals, and chinampas, which were floating gardens that allowed them to farm on the water.