Why did the Aztecs settle in the Vallet of Mexico
The Aztecs settled in the Valley of Mexico for several reasons:
1. Geographic Location: The Valley of Mexico had a favorable geographic location with a mild climate, fertile soil, and a network of lakes and rivers. This made it ideal for agricultural activities, allowing the Aztecs to grow crops such as maize, beans, and squash.
2. Natural Resources: The valley was rich in natural resources, including various minerals like obsidian, which the Aztecs used for making tools and weapons. The lakes and rivers also provided fish and water for irrigation.
3. Defensibility: The Valley of Mexico was surrounded by mountains and had limited access points, which made it relatively easy to defend against potential invaders. The Aztecs built their capital city of Tenochtitlan on an island in Lake Texcoco, further enhancing its natural defenses.
4. Prophecy and Religious Beliefs: According to Aztec mythology, their main god Huitzilopochtli had prophesied that they would find their permanent home in a place where an eagle would be perched on a cactus, devouring a snake. They saw this prophetic sign on an island in Lake Texcoco, which led them to settle there and establish Tenochtitlan.
5. Trade and Commerce: The Valley of Mexico was a crossroads for various trade routes, providing the Aztecs with access to valuable resources and goods from other regions. Their central location made them a hub for regional trade and contributed to the growth of their economy and political influence.
6. Mythical and Historical Significance: The Valley of Mexico was believed to be the center of the world by the Aztecs. It was associated with their creation myth and considered the place where their ancestors originated. Settling there allowed them to reconnect with their ancestral homeland and establish a powerful empire.
The Aztecs settled in the Valley of Mexico for several reasons. Here are the steps explaining their settlement:
1. Geographic location: The Valley of Mexico is a highland plateau surrounded by mountains, making it geographically advantageous. It had fertile soil and access to fresh water from nearby lakes, such as Lake Texcoco. These factors made it suitable for agricultural activities, including growing maize, beans, and squash, which were essential to their diet.
2. Legend of their ancestral home: According to Aztec mythology, their god Huitzilopochtli had instructed them to search for an eagle perched on a cactus with a snake in its beak. They interpreted this as a sign to settle in the place where they eventually encountered this symbol, which they found on an island in Lake Texcoco. This mythological belief played a significant role in their settlement.
3. Displacement and migration: Before settling in the Valley of Mexico, the Aztecs were a nomadic tribe who faced displacement due to conflicts with other groups. They migrated from their ancestral lands in northern Mexico and eventually arrived in the Valley of Mexico around the 13th century. They initially settled on small islands within Lake Texcoco and gradually expanded their empire over time.
4. Strategic location for trade and alliances: The Valley of Mexico was centrally located in Mesoamerica, allowing the Aztecs to establish trade networks and form alliances with neighboring city-states. Their strategic position in the region facilitated the growth and prosperity of their empire. They controlled several major trade routes, which enhanced their economic and political power.
5. Defense and security: The Valley of Mexico's geographic features, such as the surrounding mountains and the expanse of Lake Texcoco, provided natural protection and defense against potential invaders. This allowed the Aztecs to establish and maintain their empire more easily.
By considering these steps, we can understand why the Aztecs chose to settle in the Valley of Mexico.