Valley of Mexico

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Basin of Mexico 1519 map-en

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Vista del Valle de México desde San Bernabé Ocotepec

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Museo paleontologico de Tocuila-mandibula

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Acróbata de Tlatilco

Valle de México José Maria Velazco 3

Valley of Mexico is a highlands plateau in central Mexico where modern-day Mexico City is located. It is a region of great historical and cultural significance, surrounded by mountains and volcanoes. The valley has been the site of human settlement for thousands of years, including the ancient city of Teotihuacan, the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan, and the Spanish colonial city of Mexico City.

Geography

The Valley of Mexico is situated in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt and is surrounded by high mountains and volcanoes, including Popocatépetl, Iztaccíhuatl, and the Ajusco. The valley floor is primarily composed of lakebeds from ancient lakes, with the remnants of Lake Texcoco still visible today. The region has a temperate climate, with a rainy season in the summer and dry conditions in the winter.

History

The history of the Valley of Mexico is marked by the rise and fall of several Mesoamerican civilizations. The earliest known inhabitants were the Teotihuacan civilization, which established a major city around the 1st century BCE. This city became one of the largest and most influential in the ancient Americas before its decline around the 7th century CE.

Following the fall of Teotihuacan, the valley saw the rise of the Toltec civilization and later the Aztec Empire. The Aztecs founded their capital, Tenochtitlan, on an island in Lake Texcoco in the 14th century. This city grew into a large and sophisticated urban center before the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century.

In 1521, Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés conquered Tenochtitlan, marking the beginning of Spanish colonial rule. The Spanish drained the lakes and built Mexico City on the ruins of Tenochtitlan. Over the centuries, Mexico City grew to become one of the largest cities in the world.

Modern Day

Today, the Valley of Mexico is the heart of the Mexican nation, encompassing Mexico City and its metropolitan area, one of the most populous urban areas in the world. The region is a major economic, political, and cultural center in Mexico.

Environmental issues, such as air pollution and water scarcity, have become significant challenges for the valley due to its geography and high population density. Efforts are ongoing to address these issues and preserve the valley's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.

See Also

• Teotihuacan
• Aztec Empire
• Mexican Plateau
• Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt