Which is an example of how the physical environment helped the Aztecs establish an empire?
(1 point)
• The capital city of Tenochtitlan could be easily defended from attack.
• The active volcanoes kept neighboring peoples from attacking the Aztecs.
The capital city of Tenochtitlan was located in the dense rain forest.
• The Aztecs lived on a flat plain that was perfect for warfare.
The capital city of Tenochtitlan could be easily defended from attack.
The example of how the physical environment helped the Aztecs establish an empire is:
- The capital city of Tenochtitlan could be easily defended from attack.
The correct answer is: The capital city of Tenochtitlan could be easily defended from attack.
To determine the correct answer, you need to analyze the given options and consider the role of the physical environment in helping the Aztecs establish an empire.
Option 1 states that the capital city of Tenochtitlan could be easily defended from attack. This indicates that the physical environment played a crucial role in aiding the Aztecs in establishing their empire. The city was built on an island in the middle of Lake Texcoco, which created a natural barrier against potential invaders. The lake acted as a protective moat, making it challenging for enemies to access the city. Additionally, the Aztecs constructed causeways and bridges that connected the city to the mainland, providing controlled access points that could be easily defended.
Option 2 mentions that the active volcanoes kept neighboring peoples from attacking the Aztecs. Although volcanic activity may have been a deterrent for some invaders, it was not a direct factor in the establishment of the Aztec empire. Therefore, this option is not the best answer.
Option 3 states that the capital city of Tenochtitlan was located in the dense rainforest. However, Tenochtitlan was actually situated on an island in the middle of a lake, not in a rainforest. Hence, this option is incorrect.
Option 4 claims that the Aztecs lived on a flat plain that was perfect for warfare. While the flatness of the plains may have provided advantages for military campaigns, it is not directly related to the establishment of the empire. Therefore, this option is not as relevant as the first option.
In conclusion, the physical environment that most helped the Aztecs establish their empire was the easily defensible nature of the capital city, Tenochtitlan, located on an island in the middle of Lake Texcoco.