Lecture: Lacustrine dynamics and the development of hydraulic infrastructure in Lake Texcoco: A key to understand the origin of Tenochtitlan

Join Distinguished Speaker of Archaeology, Carlos Cordova, Professor of Geography, Oklahoma State University for the following lecture in Norlin Libraries, 5th Floor, British Studies Room or via Zoom:

Recent archaeological and geoarchaeological research on the eastern part of former Lake Texcoco reveals interesting aspects of human adaptation to a highly changing lacustrine environment and the eventual control of its hydrology. The highlights of this research can be summarized as follows: 1) The lakes of the Basin of Mexico fluctuated seasonally, annually, and through long periods of time. This made the lakes extremely difficult to control, particularly the largest of them, Lake Texcoco. 2) Understanding of the dynamics of fluvial and palustrine environments on the edges of the lake are critical to understand lacustrine change over time. 3) A strong interconnected socio-ecological dynamics developed between lacustrine, fluvial, and mountain communities, permitting the use of niches and exchange of products. 4) Attempts to inhabit the lake and control it precede the better known development of hydraulic infrastructure of the late Aztec period (1325-1519). 5) Research on the eastern part of Lake Texcoco, or the kingdom of Acolhuacan, is vital for understanding the design and development of hydraulic infrastructure that supported the great aquatic urban center of Tenochtitlan.

This event and free buffet provided by the Department of Anthropology. Communications supported by the CU Museum of Natural HIstory. 

For further information contact Gerardo.Gutierrez@colorado.edu.