Unbelievable 3D Reconstruction of Aztec Capital City Tenochtitlan Will Leave You Speechless

Tenochtitlan was the capital of the Mexica people and later the Aztec Empire. Established around 1325, it was situated on an island in Lake Texcoco in the Valley of Mexico. The city's intricate urban grid and engineering marvels, like the chinampas (floating gardens), showcased the advanced techniques and planning of its inhabitants. The heart of Tenochtitlan was the ceremonial center, where the majestic Templo Mayor stood, dedicated to the god Huitzilopochtli and the rain god Tlaloc.

From its geographical features, surrounded by iconic volcanoes like Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl, to its ingenious architectural solutions against water, Tenochtitlan was a testament to the Mexica's innovation and resilience.

The city wasn't just a political and religious center; it was also an economic hub, with bustling markets like Tlatelolco, where goods from all over Mesoamerica were traded. Spanish conquistadors, led by Hernán Cortés, arrived in the early 16th century, and by 1521, after a prolonged siege, Tenochtitlan fell. Subsequently, it was razed, and the colonial city of Mexico was built atop its ruins. The legacy of Tenochtitlan, however, endures, both in archaeological remnants and in the cultural memory of Mexico.

Today, modern-day Mexico City stands atop Tenochtitlan's remnants, with much of the original metropolis concealed by the passage of time and evolving urban development. Yet, drone photography allows for a striking comparison of past and present, as showcased on Thomas Kole’s project website

This monumental project, spanning over 1.5 years, owes its success to a large team of contributors: Thomas Kole (for images of Tenochtitlan), Andres Semo Garcia (SemoDron) for aerial shots of present-day Mexico City, Paul Guinan, Michael E. Smith, Ian Mursell, Gerardo Gutierrez, Barbara E. Mundy, and many other creatives. The visuals were crafted using open-source tools like Blender, Gimp, and Darktable.