Aztec Capital

          Tenochtitlan became the capital of the expanding Mexican Empire. At its peak ,the city was the largest city in the Pre-Columbian Americas. Tenochtitlan was founded where an eagle was eating a snake, sitting on a cactus in the middle of a lake. Tenochtitlan was formed on top of this lake, despite the unfavorable terrain. Mexico City was then built on top of Tenochtitlan as shown below.



          Tenochtitlan's main temple complex, the Templo Mayor, was dismantled and the central district of the Spanish colonial city was constructed on top of it. The great temple was destroyed by the Spanish during the construction of a cathedral. The location of the Templo Mayor was rediscovered in the early 20th century, but major excavations did not take place until 1978–1982. The ruins of Tenochtitlan still remain under Mexico city.