Valley of Mexico, Highland valley in central Mexico
The Valley of Mexico is a highland basin in central Mexico framed by volcanic mountain ranges and broad urban areas. The shape resembles a natural bowl where water collected over centuries and fertile land formed.
Several civilizations arose here between 800 BC and the Spanish conquest in the 16th century, including Teotihuacan and the Aztec Empire. The lakes were gradually drained during colonial times to prevent flooding and reclaim land.
The name comes from the Nahua peoples who settled this highland region centuries ago and built their communities here. Today markets, small churches and neighborhoods shape the landscape while the surrounding mountains serve as natural boundaries.
Air quality can be affected by the geographic setting as mountains restrict air circulation. Visitors who explore higher viewpoints along the rim get a better overview of the entire region.
Archaeologists regularly find mammoth bones here that roamed the region thousands of years ago. These discoveries show that large animals once visited the wet shorelines of the former lakes.
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