The Causeways of Tenochtitlan: Engineering an Island City

In this episode, Lucas and Luna dive into the engineering marvels that connected the island city of Tenochtitlan to the mainland: the three great causeways of Tlacopan, Iztapalapa, and Tepeyac. They explore how the Mexica built these massive roads with stone, earth, and removable bridges, creating both a lifeline for trade and a formidable defense. The conversation moves from the daily flow of goods and people to the dramatic role these causeways played during the Spanish siege—including the famous Noche Triste retreat and Cortés's eventual use of brigantines to cut off the city. They also discuss the modern legacy, with the Paseo de la Reforma following the old Tlacopan route. A thoughtful look at how urban engineering shaped the rise and fall of an empire. #Tenochtitlan #Aztec #Mesoamerica #Mexica #Causeways #Cortes #SiegeOfTenochtitlan #NocheTriste #Engineering #AncientCities #History #FexingoHistory #Podcast #LucasAndLuna #HueyTlatoani #Tlacopan #Iztapalapa #Tepeyac Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo