2.2 Founding of Tenochtitlan and early Aztec history
2 min read•august 12, 2024
The Aztecs founded Tenochtitlan in 1325 CE, guided by a prophecy of an eagle on a cactus. This vision became a powerful symbol, later appearing on Mexico's flag. The city's location in presented unique challenges and opportunities for settlement.
Innovative agricultural techniques, like , revolutionized farming in the lake environment. These artificial islands supported intensive crop cultivation, allowing for population growth and urbanization. The first , , established the ruling dynasty and strengthened Tenochtitlan's power.
Founding of Tenochtitlan
Mythical Origins and Geographic Setting
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Tenochtitlan established in 1325 CE as the capital of the Aztec Empire
guided the Aztecs to the site of their future capital
Aztec priests interpreted this vision as a divine sign to settle in the area
Symbol became central to Aztec identity and later appeared on the Mexican flag
Lake Texcoco provided the backdrop for Tenochtitlan's founding
Located in the Valley of Mexico, a high-altitude basin surrounded by mountains
Shallow, brackish lake system offered both challenges and opportunities for settlement
Innovative Agricultural Techniques
Chinampas revolutionized agriculture in the lake environment
Artificial islands created by piling up mud and vegetation in shallow lake areas
Supported intensive crop cultivation, yielding up to seven harvests per year
Crops grown included maize, beans, squash, tomatoes, and chili peppers
Chinampas expanded arable land and increased food production
Allowed for population growth and urbanization in Tenochtitlan
Created a complex network of canals used for transportation and irrigation
Early Aztec Political Structure
Leadership and Governance
Acamapichtli became the first tlatoani of Tenochtitlan in 1375
Established the dynastic lineage that would rule the Aztec Empire
Implemented policies to strengthen Tenochtitlan's political and military power
Tlatoani served as the supreme ruler of the Aztec state
Literally translated as "he who speaks," emphasizing the ruler's authority
Combined religious, military, and administrative roles
Succession typically passed to a male relative, often a brother or nephew
Social Organization and Local Administration
formed the basic social and administrative unit in Aztec society
Clan-based groups that managed land distribution, labor, and local governance
Provided military units and collected taxes for the central government
Maintained their own schools, temples, and communal lands
represented larger political entities within the Aztec Empire
City-states that consisted of multiple calpulli
Governed by local rulers who answered to the tlatoani of Tenochtitlan
Formed alliances, paid tribute, and participated in the empire's military campaigns
Key Terms to Review (8)
Acamapichtli: Acamapichtli, which translates to 'hand of the reed', is significant as the first ruler of Tenochtitlan, establishing the foundations for the Aztec Empire. His leadership marked the beginning of a new political and cultural entity that would grow into one of the most powerful Mesoamerican civilizations. Under his rule, the Aztecs began their transformation from a small settlement to a dominant force in the region, promoting agricultural development and fostering alliances.
Altepetl: An altepetl is a Nahuatl term that refers to a city-state or a political entity in the Aztec civilization. These structures were characterized by a centralized political authority, often ruled by a tlatoani (king), and functioned as both a social and economic unit, encapsulating a unique cultural identity. Each altepetl operated independently but was connected to others through trade, alliances, and military relationships.
Calpulli: A calpulli was a fundamental social and political unit in Aztec society, functioning as a community group that shared land, resources, and responsibilities. Each calpulli was composed of families that worked together for agricultural production, social organization, and religious activities, highlighting the importance of communal living and kinship ties in Aztec culture.
Chinampas: Chinampas are a unique agricultural technique used by the Aztecs, consisting of floating gardens built on shallow lake beds. This method allowed for efficient farming in the wetlands of Mesoamerica, particularly around Tenochtitlan, and significantly impacted the agricultural productivity and economic stability of the Aztec civilization.
Eagle on Cactus Prophecy: The Eagle on Cactus Prophecy is a legendary narrative from Aztec mythology that describes the moment when the Mexica people discovered the site for their future capital, Tenochtitlan. According to the prophecy, they would find an eagle perched on a cactus, holding a serpent in its beak, which served as a divine sign indicating the ideal location for their settlement. This imagery is not only pivotal to the founding of Tenochtitlan but also symbolizes the connection between the Mexica and their gods, reinforcing their identity and destiny as a powerful civilization.
Foundation of Tenochtitlan: The Foundation of Tenochtitlan refers to the establishment of the Aztec capital city in 1325 on an island in Lake Texcoco. This event marks a pivotal moment in early Aztec history, showcasing the strategic and religious significance of the location as well as the ingenuity of the Aztecs in transforming a marshy landscape into a thriving urban center.
Lake Texcoco: Lake Texcoco is a shallow lake located in the Valley of Mexico, known for its historical significance as the site where the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan, was founded. The lake played a vital role in the early development of the Aztec civilization by providing resources such as fish and freshwater, as well as serving as a strategic location for defense and trade. The lake's unique geography influenced the culture and economy of the Aztecs, making it integral to their society.
Tlatoani: Tlatoani refers to the ruler or king of an Aztec city-state, serving as both a political leader and a spiritual authority. The tlatoani held significant power within the political and social structures of pre-Columbian societies, often seen as the embodiment of the city-state's identity and sovereignty. Their role was crucial in early Aztec history, especially during the founding of Tenochtitlan, and they played an essential part in the organization of military and political alliances, such as the Triple Alliance.