Mexico City Then and Now

Mexico City Then

Mexico City, the capital and largest city of Mexico is deeply rooted in history and culture. 

Founded by Spanish conquistadors in 1521, the city was built on the ruins of Tenochtitlán, the capital of the Aztec Empire. 

The Aztecs chose this location because it was an island surrounded by lakes, offering strategic and defensive advantages. 

Although Mexico City is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the Americas, it is unique in being one of the few major global cities not situated near a river. 

Instead, it is located in the Valley of Mexico, a large inland basin in the southern part of the country. 

This valley, once home to several significant lakes, is also known as Anáhuac, a name derived from the Nahuatl language, meaning “Close to the Water.”

The name “México” itself comes from the Nahuatl language, highlighting the deep indigenous heritage of the area. 

Today, Mexico City is one of the world’s most populous metropolitan areas and remains a vibrant cultural, political, and economic center.

Related Article: Montreal Then and Now

Mexico City History

Mexico City has a rich and complex history that spans from ancient civilizations to its modern-day significance as the capital of Mexico. 

The earliest signs of human occupation in the area are believed to date back to the lower Cenolithic period, around 9500–7000 BC, with the discovery of remains such as the “Peñón woman” in San Bartolo Atepehuacan. 

These early inhabitants are thought to have been among the ancestors of the Teochichimecas, who migrated to the region between the 8th and 13th centuries. 

Over time, these indigenous peoples gave rise to the prominent Toltec and Mexica (Aztec) civilizations.

Related Article: Vancouver Then and Now

The Mexica, also known as the Aztecs, founded their capital city, Tenochtitlan, in 1325, on an island in the Valley of Mexico. 

According to legend, the Mexica were guided to this location by a vision of a golden eagle perched on a cactus, devouring a rattlesnake. 

Over the next century, Tenochtitlan grew into a powerful metropolis, dominating the surrounding city-states and becoming the heart of the Aztec Empire. 

The city’s strategic location on Lake Texcoco and its advanced infrastructure, including causeways, canals, and an impressive system of chinampas (man-made farming islands), contributed to its strength and prosperity.

Related Article: Toronto Then and Now

The arrival of Spanish explorer Hernán Cortés in 1519 marked a dramatic turning point in the city’s history. 

After initially being welcomed by the Aztec ruler, Moctezuma II, tensions escalated between the Mexica and the Spanish. 

A series of confrontations culminated in the siege and eventual fall of Tenochtitlan in 1521, after months of starvation, disease, and warfare. 

The Spanish, aided by other indigenous groups hostile to the Aztecs, razed the city, and Cortés began to rebuild it in the Spanish colonial style, renaming it Mexico City. 

Related Article: Chicago Then and Now

The new capital of New Spain was laid out with a grid pattern, with the Zócalo (main square) serving as the central point.

The city’s history continued to be shaped by the Spanish colonial period, where it became a center of trade and culture in the Americas. 

The Spanish authorities constructed churches and administrative buildings atop Aztec temples, and the old Aztec nobility was incorporated into the colonial system. 

Mexico City, with its vibrant cultural and economic life, became known as “The City of Palaces,” a moniker given by the German explorer Alexander von Humboldt due to its grand architecture and the wealth of its elite. 

Related Article: Los Angeles Then and Now

However, the city also faced challenges, such as periodic flooding, disease outbreaks, and social unrest.

The path to Mexico’s independence began in the early 19th century, with Mexico City at the heart of the struggle. 

The Grito de Dolores in 1810, led by Miguel Hidalgo, ignited the Mexican War of Independence, which culminated in Mexico’s declaration of independence from Spain in 1821. 

After independence, the city became the capital of the new nation, but its political landscape remained turbulent. 

Related Article: New York City Then and Now

The 19th century saw Mexico City embroiled in internal conflicts, including the Mexican–American War and the French intervention, which briefly turned Mexico City into the capital of the short-lived Second Mexican Empire under Emperor Maximilian I.

The 20th century brought significant changes to Mexico City, as the city served as a focal point during the Mexican Revolution (1910–1920). 

The city was the site of numerous revolutionary battles, including the Decena Trágica, a violent coup attempt in 1913. 

Related Article: Dublin Then and Now

Despite the turmoil, Mexico City grew in importance, both politically and economically, and became a symbol of the country’s modernization efforts. 

Today, Mexico City remains one of the largest cities in the world, rich in history, and culture, and a testament to its dynamic past.

Related Article: Rotterdam Then and Now

Mexico City Now

Mexico City, the capital and largest city of Mexico is not only a bustling metropolis but also one of the most influential cultural and financial hubs globally. 

It sits within the Valley of Mexico, which is located at a high altitude of 2,240 meters (7,350 feet) above sea level, in the center of the Mexican Plateau. 

This valley, sometimes referred to as the Basin of Mexico, is part of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, known for its mountainous terrain and volcanic activity. 

Related Article: Antwerp Then and Now

Despite its challenging geographical conditions, such as its altitude and the surrounding mountains, Mexico City has thrived and developed into one of the most populous and economically significant cities in the world.

As of 2020, the city proper had a population of over 9 million people, with Greater Mexico City, the surrounding metropolitan area, home to over 21 million residents. 

This makes it the largest urban area in North America and one of the six largest metropolitan regions globally. 

Related Article: Brussels Then and Now

The city’s vast population and geographical spread contribute to its diverse and dynamic economy, which is a key driver of Mexico’s GDP. 

In fact, Greater Mexico City accounted for around 22% of the nation’s GDP, making it a critical center for both the national and international markets. 

Its economic power is reflected in its status as one of the largest urban economies worldwide, with an annual GDP of $411 billion.

Related Article: Frankfurt Then and Now

Politically, Mexico City has undergone significant transformations in recent years. 

Historically, the city was governed directly by the federal government as the Federal District (D.F.), but in 2016, it gained greater political autonomy and was officially rebranded as Ciudad de México (CDMX). 

This shift allowed the city to elect its own head of government and legislative representatives. 

Related Article: Hamburg Then and Now

Over the years, left-wing political parties have gained control of the city’s government, leading to progressive policies such as the legalization of same-sex marriage, no-fault divorce, and abortion rights, as well as gender identity recognition. 

Despite these advancements, a clause in Mexico’s Constitution prevents the city from becoming a state in the federation, keeping its unique status as the capital of the nation.

Related Article: Munich Then and Now

Mexico City’s rich cultural history, political significance, and economic importance make it a vital and distinctive part of Mexico. 

Its rapid growth and transformation continue to shape its identity, balancing tradition with modernity while striving for greater autonomy and social progress.

Related Article: Lyon Then and Now

FAQs