How did the Aztec choose their capital cities location?

It is said that the Aztecs chose the site of their capital, Tenochtitlan, because of the presence of a bird perched on a cactus and eating a snake. In this lesson, students will learn about that ancient Aztec legend and about how Tenochtitlan became the site of modern-day Mexico City.

Who named the capital Mexico City?

Mexico City

What was the original capital of Mexico?

Tenochtitlán
Tenochtitlán, ancient capital of the Aztec empire. Located at the site of modern Mexico City, it was founded c. 1325 in the marshes of Lake Texcoco.

Who built Mexico City?

Hernán Cortés understood the strategic and symbolic importance of the Aztec capital, founded the Spanish capital of Mexico City on the site, and in particular rebuilt the Aztec ceremonial and political center as the main square, the Plaza Mayor, usually called the Zócalo.

What does the name Tenochtitlán mean?

The name of the city derives from tetl meaning rock, nochtli, the prickly-pear cactus and tlan, the locative suffix. TenochtitlAn was one of the greatest cities in Mesoamerica with over 200,000 residents.

When was Mexico City the biggest city?

In 2005, Greater Mexico City had a population of 19.2 million, making it the largest metropolitan area in the western hemisphere and the second largest in the world after Tokyo.

When did Mexico City became the capital of Mexico?

1521
Why was Mexico City chosen as the capital? After Hernán Cortés defeated the Aztecs at their island-capital of Tenochtitlán in 1521, New Spain was created. The capital of New Spain, Mexico City, was built atop the razed island-capital and remained the capital after the country gained independence in 1821.

Why was Mexico City chosen as the capital?

Why was Mexico City chosen as the capital? After Hernán Cortés defeated the Aztecs at their island-capital of Tenochtitlán in 1521, New Spain was created. The capital of New Spain, Mexico City, was built atop the razed island-capital and remained the capital after the country gained independence in 1821.

Why is Mexico City called DF?

For the past two centuries, the city has been known as “DF” from its official name of Mexico Distrito Federal, or Federal District. That is the Spanish version of what the city is already called by English speakers: Mexico City.

How did Mexico City come to exist?

During the Aztec period, Mexico City was initially built over a lake, the Lago de Texcoco. Aztecs built an artificial island by dumping soil into the lagoon. They took what was once a small natural island in the Lake Texcoco and expanded it by hand to create their home and fortress, the beautiful Tenochtitlán.

What is the capital of Mexico City called?

Mexico City. Written By: Mexico City, Nahuatl México, Spanish Ciudad de México or in full Ciudad de México, D.F., city and capital of Mexico, synonymous with the Federal District (Distrito Federal; D.F.).

What was the capital city of the Aztec Empire?

Tenochtitlán, located in the heart of what is now Mexico City, was the largest city and capital of the Aztec empire. Today, Mexico City is still one of the largest cities in the world, despite its unusual setting.

Is Mexico City the capital of underdevelopment?

Mexico City is a metropolis of contrasts, a monument to a proud and industrious country also faced with many problems. Some observers have fixated on the city’s dangers, horrors, and tragedies—views that were reinforced by the Mexican novelist Carlos Fuentes when he called the city “the capital of underdevelopment.”

What is the population of Mexico City in Mexico?

Mexico City. According to the most recent definition agreed upon by the federal and state governments, the population of Greater Mexico City is 21.3 million, which makes it the largest metropolitan area of the Western Hemisphere, the eleventh-largest agglomeration (2017), and the largest Spanish-speaking city in the world.