Which of the following best compares how the Aztec and Inca worked to control water in their empires? Choose the best answer choice, and explain.
Responses
Water was not important to the Aztec or the Inca but learning to adapt to mountain landscapes was.
The Aztec fought to find and access water, while the Inca had plenty of water available in the diverse geographic landscapes across their empire.
The Aztec mostly used water from lakebeds to support agricultural development, while the Inca used water from mountain rivers for terrace farming.
The Inca did not use much water except for religious ceremonies, while the Aztec used water extensively to develop canal systems through their lands.
The best answer choice is the third one: The Aztec mostly used water from lakebeds to support agricultural development, while the Inca used water from mountain rivers for terrace farming.
The Aztec primarily relied on the lakes surrounding their capital city of Tenochtitlan for their water supply. They constructed agricultural fields known as chinampas, which were small artificial islands built on the lakebeds. By using the nutrient-rich sediment from the lakebeds and canals for irrigation, the Aztec were able to grow crops efficiently.
On the other hand, the Inca had an advanced system of terrace farming that relied on water from mountain rivers. They engineered intricate networks of irrigation canals and stone terraces to create flat surfaces on steep mountainsides. The canals diverted water from the rivers to provide moisture for their crops, allowing them to cultivate land that would otherwise be unsuitable for agriculture.
In summary, while both the Aztec and Inca civilizations relied on water for agricultural development, the Aztec primarily used water from lakebeds, while the Inca utilized water from mountain rivers for their terrace farming techniques.