Why did the Aztecs settle in The Valley of Mexico?
They wanted to take over abandoned Mayan cities
The area was located near a major river system
The Valley had a warmer climate than the Mayan lowlands
Surrounding volcanoes created fertile soil in the valley
The Valley of Mexico was located near a major river system (the Valley of Mexico was formed by a system of lakes and rivers, most notably Lake Texcoco). This provided a reliable water source for agricultural purposes and allowed for the development of an advanced civilization. Additionally, the surrounding volcanoes created fertile soil in the valley, making it suitable for farming. The Aztecs settled in the Valley of Mexico because of these favorable conditions for agriculture and access to water.
The Aztecs settled in The Valley of Mexico for several reasons:
1. The area was located near a major river system: The Valley of Mexico is home to several lakes and is connected to a network of rivers, providing a reliable source of fresh water for agriculture and everyday needs.
2. Surrounding volcanoes created fertile soil in the valley: The presence of volcanoes in the region led to the deposition of volcanic ash, which enriched the soil and made it highly fertile. This allowed for successful agriculture and the ability to support a large population.
3. The Valley had a warmer climate than the Mayan lowlands: The Valley of Mexico, at a higher altitude, offered a milder and more temperate climate compared to the hotter and more humid lowlands of the Mayan civilization. This made it a more desirable place to settle for the Aztecs.
4. They wanted to take over abandoned Mayan cities: Although it was not the primary reason for settling in the Valley, the Aztecs did take advantage of the opportunity to establish control over some abandoned Mayan cities in the area. This allowed them to expand their influence and territories.
The Aztecs settled in The Valley of Mexico for several reasons. One reason was that the area was located near a major river system. This river system provided a reliable source of water for irrigation and agricultural purposes, which allowed the Aztecs to support a large population and engage in farming.
Another reason was that the Valley had a warmer climate than the Mayan lowlands. The warmer climate allowed for a longer growing season, which was beneficial for agriculture. It also made the Valley a more favorable place to live compared to the colder regions of the highlands.
Additionally, the surrounding volcanoes in the Valley created fertile soil. Volcanic ash and minerals enriched the soil, making it highly productive for farming. This fertility of the land contributed to the Aztecs' ability to grow crops and support their population.
It is important to mention that the statement "They wanted to take over abandoned Mayan cities" is not correct. The Aztecs did not settle in the Valley of Mexico with the intention of taking over abandoned Mayan cities. The Aztecs had their own civilization and established their capital city, Tenochtitlan, in the Valley.