In this way an artificial island is formed, and trees are planted on the edges because the roots of the trees help prevent erosion. This enclosure is then filled with alternating layers of mud and decaying vegetation until solid land above the water level is formed.
Chinampas are constructed by first creating an enclosure on the lake with wooden stakes.
Despite the common misuse of the term “floating gardens” – which I am also guilty of – chinampas are not actually floating. The technology of chinampas was developed in Mesoamerica before the Aztecs, but the Aztecs were the ones to adopt it at a huge scale. The canals of Xochimilco are a popular destination for boat rides, but the canals and the surrounding artificial islands – chinampas – also tell a story of Mexico City’s past. Modern Mexico City has inherited this foundation of artificial islands, but as the city has grown and the canals have been filled to build roads, the lakebed foundation has become forgotten, leading to overuse of groundwater, collapsing of the ground and sinking of the city. Among these artificial islands were the chinampas which were used for agriculture, providing high yields and feeding the growing population. In order to live on the lake, the Aztecs built a vast network of canals and artificial island. The Aztecs founded their capital in 1325 on a lake due to a prophecy that stated that the city should be founded on the spot where an eagle would be perched on top of a cactus eating a snake. Mexico City is built on the ruins of Tenochtitlan, the capital city of the Aztec empire. What I wanted to see were the chinampas, the Pre-Columbian agricultural islands built by the Aztecs. I also visited Xochimilco during my stay in Mexico City, but my motives were somewhat different. Both locals and tourists come to Xochimilco to ride in colorful boats and to enjoy the atmosphere that is far removed from the rest of the busy metropolis. Anyone wanting to escape the crowds and noise of Mexico City should visit Xochimilco, a southern borough of Mexico City known for its canals.
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