Popularly known as the "floating gardens" or the so called chinampas were much more than gardens; they do not actually float as they are artificial islands made by the Aztecs. Sometime around 1150 AD, such technology to build those gardens was devised by and introduced to Mesoamerican cultures in the Valley of Mexico; thereafter the Aztecs quickly secured their place in history with an essential tool of agriculture that will sustain the area's enormous cities that prospered. These days, the chinampas are always associated with the Aztecs, the indigenous cultures of the region who made them a necessary element in supporting big metropolises such as Tenochtitlan.
Building A Chinampa
In order to build these "floating" gardens in the Lake Texoco's shallow waters, the Aztecs would plant stakes in the ground, and after that make a woven lattice of wooden strips, otherwise known as wattle. After that, this material would be employed to separate a plot which measures roughly 30 meters long by 3 meters wide. As soon as the area was fenced off, the lake bed would afterward be stuffed over with many layers of composting vegetation, mud and lake sediment to be able to build a fertile area, until eventually it rose above the level of the lake. Very often, willow trees are positioned at the corners to help guarantee the stability of the patch and then to produce an area of shade, though the trees were maintained pruned so as to let enough sunlight to get through the crops. Generally, a field of many chinampas are arranged in a grid and separated by canals which provide enough space for a canoe to pass through. The idea that the plots are seated just a couple of feet above the surface of the lake afforded them the appearance of hovering over the water, that's why it was named, "floating garden".
Vital Tools For Agricultural Activities
The chinampa system was backed up by a complex irrigation network comprised of dams, aqueducts, canals, dams,and sluices. Keeping them fertilized was a crucial process, completed by further composting and through making use of animal and human compost. The plots were looked after by various workers ranging from slaves to manual labourers, who built community plots which usually provide food for the locals of the cities, to "specialist" agriculturalists who projected each growing cycle, alternating crops, determining the weather conditions, and also making a choice on which plants to cultivate on which plots for the very best results. The vast majority of towns surrounding the Lake Texoco and also close by Lake Xochilimco have been dependent on the significant production of the chinampas, that would deliver approximately seven crops within a year. Supplemented by land-based agriculture on the city outskirts, two thirds of the food production of these plots were in fact allocated to the consumption of Tenochtitlan, a city of more than 200,000 people.
An Abundant Provision
Crops of wide variety are grown by the Aztecs on their chinampas, in bulk of plots that include staple foods such as maize, beans and squash. Morever, they grow chilies and tomatoes, and also brilliantly colored tropical flowers which often offered more to the elegance and magnificence of their urban centers. After the Spanish conquest of Mesoamerica, the majority of more than 9000 hectares of chinampas at Tenochtitlan were filled over and caused a sharp decline of their use. Yet, the technology was not diminished, and in this time several still remain that could be visited by tourists. A trip to Xochimilco offers the chance to see and explore the so called "floating gardens" or functional chinampas and enjoy a leisurely boat trip passing through the lush, super-fertile gardens which formerly supported the indispensable empires of an era long-gone.
Wanting to explore the Yucatan ruins? Simply book a tour to Chichen Itza.
Building A Chinampa
In order to build these "floating" gardens in the Lake Texoco's shallow waters, the Aztecs would plant stakes in the ground, and after that make a woven lattice of wooden strips, otherwise known as wattle. After that, this material would be employed to separate a plot which measures roughly 30 meters long by 3 meters wide. As soon as the area was fenced off, the lake bed would afterward be stuffed over with many layers of composting vegetation, mud and lake sediment to be able to build a fertile area, until eventually it rose above the level of the lake. Very often, willow trees are positioned at the corners to help guarantee the stability of the patch and then to produce an area of shade, though the trees were maintained pruned so as to let enough sunlight to get through the crops. Generally, a field of many chinampas are arranged in a grid and separated by canals which provide enough space for a canoe to pass through. The idea that the plots are seated just a couple of feet above the surface of the lake afforded them the appearance of hovering over the water, that's why it was named, "floating garden".
Vital Tools For Agricultural Activities
The chinampa system was backed up by a complex irrigation network comprised of dams, aqueducts, canals, dams,and sluices. Keeping them fertilized was a crucial process, completed by further composting and through making use of animal and human compost. The plots were looked after by various workers ranging from slaves to manual labourers, who built community plots which usually provide food for the locals of the cities, to "specialist" agriculturalists who projected each growing cycle, alternating crops, determining the weather conditions, and also making a choice on which plants to cultivate on which plots for the very best results. The vast majority of towns surrounding the Lake Texoco and also close by Lake Xochilimco have been dependent on the significant production of the chinampas, that would deliver approximately seven crops within a year. Supplemented by land-based agriculture on the city outskirts, two thirds of the food production of these plots were in fact allocated to the consumption of Tenochtitlan, a city of more than 200,000 people.
An Abundant Provision
Crops of wide variety are grown by the Aztecs on their chinampas, in bulk of plots that include staple foods such as maize, beans and squash. Morever, they grow chilies and tomatoes, and also brilliantly colored tropical flowers which often offered more to the elegance and magnificence of their urban centers. After the Spanish conquest of Mesoamerica, the majority of more than 9000 hectares of chinampas at Tenochtitlan were filled over and caused a sharp decline of their use. Yet, the technology was not diminished, and in this time several still remain that could be visited by tourists. A trip to Xochimilco offers the chance to see and explore the so called "floating gardens" or functional chinampas and enjoy a leisurely boat trip passing through the lush, super-fertile gardens which formerly supported the indispensable empires of an era long-gone.
Wanting to explore the Yucatan ruins? Simply book a tour to Chichen Itza.
