What modern-day city is built upon the ruins of Tenochitlan?

Mexico City is built upon the ruins of Tenochtitlan, which was the capital of the Aztec Empire. When the Spanish conquistadors, led by Hernán Cortés, arrived in the early 16th century, they found Tenochtitlan to be a large and sophisticated city. After the conquest, they decided to construct a new city on the very site of the former Aztec capital, leading to the establishment of Mexico City.

The historical significance of this transformation is profound, as it represents a pivotal moment in both Indigenous and colonial histories. Mexico City today incorporates elements from the Aztec civilization, and archaeological sites, such as temples and plazas, testify to the city's ancient heritage. The layers of history embedded in Mexico City make it a unique urban landscape where modern development coexists with cultural and historical remnants. This context helps to understand the dynamics of urbanization and cultural continuity in the region.