Establishment of Tenochtitlan as a City-State

The establishment of Tenochtitlan as a city-state marked a pivotal development in the formation of the Aztec Empire. Founded by the Mexica people on an island in Lake Texcoco, Tenochtitlan was strategically located, allowing for both defense and access to resources. The city was designed with a complex system of canals and causeways, facilitating trade and transportation. Over time, Tenochtitlan grew in size and influence, becoming the capital of the Mexica and a central hub for political, religious, and economic activities within the region. The city's population expanded rapidly, and it became one of the largest urban centers in the world at the time, with estimates suggesting it housed over 200,000 inhabitants. The impact of Tenochtitlan's establishment extended beyond its immediate geography. As the capital of the Aztec Empire, it served as a focal point for the confederation of city-states that comprised the empire. The city's wealth, derived from tribute and trade, allowed the Aztecs to exert control over neighboring regions. Tenochtitlan was also a center for cultural and religious practices, with significant temples and ceremonial sites that reflected the Mexica's beliefs and societal structure. The city's rise contributed to the expansion of the Aztec Empire, which became one of the most powerful and influential civilizations in Mesoamerica, shaping the historical landscape of the region.