Tenochtitlancapital of the Aztec empire, represented an advanced example of urbanization and environmental management, clearly distinguishing itself from European cities. While in Europe waste was often thrown out of windows, contributing to poor hygienic conditions, the Aztecs adopted sustainable waste management practices. The organic residues came collected and transformed into compostused to fertilize crops, demonstrating considerable ecological awareness.
Personal hygiene was equally important in Aztec society. The inhabitants of Tenochtitlán bathed up to twice a dayusing aromatic herbs to keep yourself fresh and clean. This practice contrasted with European habits of the time, where bathing was rare and it was believed that washing too much could cause illness.
The city was known as the “white city” for the extensive use of lime which covered buildings, streets and temples, giving them a unique shine. When the Spanish conquistadors arrived, they were struck by the brilliance of the city, so much so that they thought they were faced with a city of pure silver.
The chinampas to grow up to seven crops a year
From an agricultural point of view, the Aztecs they developed the chinampasartificial islands built in the surrounding lakes. These structures allowed cultivation up to seven harvests per yearmaximizing production in small spaces. The chinampas were created by delimiting rectangles in the lake, filling them with layers of vegetation and mud and planting willows along the edges to stabilize the soil. This intensive agricultural system ensured sufficient food production to support the urban population.
The Tlatelolco marketlocated north of Tenochtitlán, was one of the largest in Mesoamerica in the postclassic period. He welcomed every day over 60,000 peoplean impressive number compared to any European city of the time. The market was organized into specific sections for different types of goodsincluding food, fabrics, tools and, unfortunately, slaves. The variety and abundance of available products reflected a complex trade network that extended far beyond the borders of the Aztec empire.
In short, Tenochtitlán represented a advanced civilization both from an urban planning and social point of view. Its waste management practices, attention to personal hygiene, agricultural innovations, and commercial organization were cutting-edge for their time, placing the Aztecs among the pioneers in several fields that we today consider fundamental to a sustainable society and prospers.
