Thursday: History
Which ancient civilization built floating gardens called chinampas to farm on lake surfaces?
Hint: This ancient farming technique used artificial islands on lakes to grow crops and was vital to a powerful Mesoamerican civilization.
The Aztecs developed an innovative agricultural system known as chinampas
The Aztecs developed an innovative agricultural system known as chinampas, or floating gardens, to farm on lake surfaces.
These artificial islands were constructed by weaving reeds together and layering them with mud and vegetation, creating fertile plots of land that could sustain crops year-round.
Primarily used in Lake Texcoco, chinampas allowed the Aztecs to maximize agricultural production in the swampy environment of their capital, Tenochtitlán. This method was highly efficient, providing a stable food supply to support their growing population. The chinampa system showcased the Aztecs' advanced engineering and agricultural expertise, helping them thrive in the challenging landscape of central Mexico.
