1320s facts for kids
Millennium: | 2nd millennium |
Centuries: | 13th century – 14th century – 15th century |
Decades: | 1290s 1300s 1310s – 1320s – 1330s 1340s 1350s |
Years: | 1320 1321 1322 1323 1324 1325 1326 1327 1328 1329 |
Categories: | Births – Deaths – Architecture Establishments – Disestablishments |
The 1320s were a time of important changes, especially in North America. During this decade, a powerful group of people known as the Aztecs began to build a new home that would become one of the greatest cities in the ancient world. This was a significant step in their history and shaped the future of their civilization.
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The 1320s: A New City Rises
During the 1320s, the Aztec people were on a long journey. They had been moving around different parts of Mexico for many years. They were looking for a special place to settle down and build their capital city. This search was guided by an important legend that shaped their future.
Who Were the Aztecs?
The Aztecs were a Mesoamerican people who lived in what is now central Mexico. They were known for being skilled warriors and clever builders. They had a rich culture with complex religious beliefs and impressive artistic traditions. Before settling, they were a nomadic group, constantly searching for their destined home.
Founding Tenochtitlan
According to Aztec legend, their god Huitzilopochtli told them to build their city where they saw an eagle perched on a cactus. This cactus had to be growing out of a rock in the middle of a lake. After much searching, they found this exact sign in a swampy area. This area was located near Lake Texcoco.
In the year 1325, the Aztecs began to build their city in this unusual spot. They named their new home Tenochtitlan. This city was built on a small island in the middle of the lake. It was a challenging place to build, but the Aztecs were very resourceful. They used their engineering skills to create a thriving city.
Life in Early Tenochtitlan
Building Tenochtitlan in a swampy lake was a huge task. The Aztecs used a clever method called "chinampas" to create fertile land. These were floating gardens made from mud and plants, anchored to the lakebed. This allowed them to grow plenty of food, even on the water.
The city quickly grew into a large and powerful center. It had temples, markets, and homes. Bridges connected the island city to the mainland. Tenochtitlan became the heart of the Aztec Empire. It was a place of great wealth and influence. The city's unique location also provided natural defenses.