The term refers to a sophisticated Mesoamerican agricultural technique, specifically employed in the lacustrine environment of the Valley of Mexico. These “floating gardens” were artificial islands constructed in freshwater lakes and swamps. They were created by layering mud, decaying vegetation, and other organic materials on top of a woven framework of reeds and posts, effectively extending arable land into the shallow waters. These structures allowed for intensive and year-round cultivation.
This agricultural innovation was a key factor in supporting the dense population and complex social structures of civilizations like the Aztec. The fertile soil and constant access to water provided high crop yields, contributing to food security and economic prosperity. The development of this agricultural system allowed for a surplus of food production, which in turn enabled specialization of labor, urbanization, and the rise of a complex political and social hierarchy.
