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 With an ever-expanding population, Aztec farmers had to utilize every available patch of land—and even create land where there was none. In the shallow waters and swamps of Lake Xochimilco [so-CHEE-mil-koe], Aztec farmers built chinampas [CHEE-nam-pas], or manmade islands that acted as raised fields.
Constructing A Chinampa
The Aztecs constructed chinampas in four basic steps. First, posts were driven into the lakebed, then branches and vines were woven between the posts. Next, the woven enclosure was filled with earth. Finally, willow trees and crops were planted to anchor the soil.
 South of Mexico City, in the town of Xochimilco, Aztec chinampas still survive. Xochimilco means "place of flower fields," and farmers still grow flowers and vegetables here.
Constructing a Terrace
Even the dry mountain hillsides above the lake became prime agricultural real estate. Here, farmers built terraces—stair-stepped fields—to retain the rich volcanic soil and capture the scant rainfall.
Some Mexican farmers still grow crops on Aztec terraces today. And many of these fields include the same plants as were grown by the Aztecs.
Continue through Farmers: Aztec Crops. >>
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