Was Tenochtitlan Bigger Than Madrid?

By Anna Duncan

Mexico City, once known as Tenochtitlan, was the capital of the Aztec Empire before it was conquered by the Spanish in 1521. This magnificent city was built on an island in Lake Texcoco and was one of the largest cities in Mesoamerica.

But was Tenochtitlan bigger than Madrid? Let’s take a closer look.

Size of Tenochtitlan

Tenochtitlan covered an area of approximately 13.5 square kilometers (5.2 square miles) with an estimated population between 200,000 to 300,000 people at its peak. The city had a complex system of canals and causeways that connected it to the mainland.

Layout

The city was divided into four main zones, each with its own specific function. The ceremonial center housed all the important religious and political buildings, such as the great pyramid Templo Mayor and the palace of Moctezuma II.

The royal residences and gardens were located in the northwest zone, while the southeast zone was reserved for artisans and merchants. The residential zone was situated in the southwest, which included a network of canals for transportation.

Size of Madrid

Madrid, on the other hand, is located in central Spain and covers an area of approximately 604.3 square kilometers (233.3 square miles). The population is estimated to be around 3.3 million people, making it one of Europe’s largest cities.

Madrid is divided into 21 distinct districts or neighborhoods that vary greatly in size and character. The historic center is where most tourists go to see famous landmarks like Puerta del Sol or Plaza Mayor.

Comparison

So which city is bigger? In terms of size and population, Madrid is undoubtedly larger than Tenochtitlan.

However, it’s important to remember that Tenochtitlan was built in the 14th century when modern technology and construction techniques were not yet available. Despite this, Tenochtitlan was still considered one of the largest and most advanced cities of its time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Madrid is larger than Tenochtitlan in terms of size and population, we cannot overlook the significant achievements of the Aztec Empire in building such a magnificent city with limited resources. Both cities have their unique characteristics and history that make them special in their own way.