Why did the Aztecs settle in the Valley of Mexico?
(1 point)
• 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 area was located near a major river system.
The Aztecs settled in the Valley of Mexico because the area was located near a major river system.
The correct answer is:
• The area was located near a major river system.
To get this answer, you should analyze the given options and understand the reasons why the Aztecs settled in the Valley of Mexico.
Option 1, "They wanted to take over abandoned Mayan cities," does not explain why the Aztecs settled in the Valley of Mexico. It refers to the Mayan civilization, but the Aztecs did not settle in the valley to conquer Mayan cities.
Option 3, "The valley had a warmer climate than the Mayan lowlands," is incorrect. The Aztecs settled in the Valley of Mexico because it provided ecological advantages, not necessarily because of the warmer climate.
Option 4, "Surrounding volcanoes created fertile soil in the valley," is partially correct, as the volcanic activity did indeed contribute to the fertility of the soil. However, this alone would not be a sufficient reason for the Aztecs to settle in the valley.
Option 2, "The area was located near a major river system," is the correct answer. The Valley of Mexico was situated near the Basin of Mexico, which had a complex network of rivers and lakes. This provided the Aztecs with a reliable source of water for agriculture and transportation, making it an ideal location for settlement.
Therefore, the main reason why the Aztecs settled in the Valley of Mexico was because it was located near a major river system, offering them access to water and other resources.