WHI-Chap6/21-Tenochtitlan
Tenochtitlan was the capital of the Aztec empire. Tenochtitlan was on a small island in Lake Texcoco, which is now mostly dry and the home of Mexico City. Tenochtitlan was in a prime location. Because it was in the middle of a lake, there was plenty of fish, frogs, and waterfowl. The Mexica also developed the chinampa system of farming, which allowed them to have staple crops as well as the produce from the lake. Also, because of their location, the Aztecs were very well protected, with water on all sides. However, the Mexica built three causeways to the mainland, facilitating trade with peoples not on the lake's shore.
As the strength of the Aztecs grew, so did the wealth of the city. This wealth came not only from trade but from tribute. At its high point, tribute came from 489 subject territories into Tenochtitlan. The population was about 200,000 people and 300,000 others lived in nearby towns or suburban areas.
T&E p.541 & p. 543
