Why did the Aztecs settle in the Valley of Mexico?
A.
They wanted to take over abandoned Mayan cities.
B.
The area was located near a major river system.
C.
The valley had a warmer climate than the Mayan lowlands.
D.
Surrounding volcanoes created fertile soil in the valle
WHICH ONE IS IT?
B. The area was located near a major river system.
vally
To find out why the Aztecs settled in the Valley of Mexico, we can analyze the options and use some historical knowledge to determine the correct answer.
A. They wanted to take over abandoned Mayan cities.
This option is not likely the main reason for the Aztecs settling in the Valley of Mexico. While the Aztecs did have interactions with the Maya civilization, the Valley of Mexico was not known for having abandoned Mayan cities.
B. The area was located near a major river system.
This option is a strong possibility. The Valley of Mexico is situated near several rivers, most notably the Lake Texcoco, which provided a reliable water source for farming, drinking, and other necessities. Having access to a major river system would have been advantageous for agricultural purposes and trade.
C. The valley had a warmer climate than the Mayan lowlands.
This option is less likely the reason for the Aztecs settling in the Valley of Mexico. While the climate in the valley was generally mild, it is not necessarily true that it was warmer than the Mayan lowlands. Moreover, climate alone would not have been the primary factor for settling in a particular area.
D. Surrounding volcanoes created fertile soil in the valley.
This option is true and played a significant role in the Aztecs settling in the Valley of Mexico. The surrounding volcanoes, such as Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl, produced volcanic ash that enriched the soil, making it highly fertile for agriculture. This fertility would have allowed the Aztecs to sustain a large population and support their complex society.
Based on the analysis, the most likely reason for the Aztecs settling in the Valley of Mexico is B. The area was located near a major river system, which provided them with a reliable water source and facilitated trade and agriculture. D. Surrounding volcanoes created fertile soil in the valley also had a significant impact on their decision to settle there.