Meaning: The quote provided is an excerpt from the writings of Hernando Cortes, a Spanish conquistador who played a significant role in the conquest of the Aztec Empire in the early 16th century. In this quote, Cortes describes the city of Tenochtitlan, the capital of the Aztec Empire, during his initial encounters with it in 1519. His description captures the grandeur and complexity of the city, as well as its unique infrastructure and layout.

Tenochtitlan was indeed a marvel of urban planning and engineering. At the time of Cortes' arrival, it was one of the largest and most advanced cities in the world. Situated in the heart of the Valley of Mexico, the city was built on an island in Lake Texcoco. Its strategic location allowed it to control and benefit from the surrounding waterways, while also providing natural defenses against potential invaders.

Cortes' reference to the city's size in comparison to Seville or Cordova, two well-known cities in Spain, underscores the sheer scale of Tenochtitlan. With an estimated population of 200,000 to 300,000 people, it was larger than any European city of the time. The Aztecs achieved this population density through extensive land reclamation and the construction of raised agricultural beds, known as chinampas, which allowed for efficient food production on the lake's surface.

The mention of wide and straight streets in Cortes' description highlights the deliberate urban planning that characterized Tenochtitlan. The city was laid out in a grid pattern, with main thoroughfares intersecting at right angles. This design facilitated efficient movement and organization within the city, reflecting the Aztecs' sophisticated understanding of urban development.

The unique feature of some streets being "half land and half water" and navigable by canoes speaks to the ingenious use of the lake's resources in the city's infrastructure. The Aztecs utilized a system of canals and causeways to connect various parts of the city, allowing for transportation, trade, and communication. This water-based network was a fundamental aspect of daily life in Tenochtitlan and contributed to its vibrant and interconnected urban environment.

Cortes' observations of Tenochtitlan provide valuable insights into the advanced civilization that existed in Mesoamerica prior to European contact. His writings, along with subsequent accounts from other conquistadors and chroniclers, have contributed to our understanding of Aztec society and culture.

In conclusion, Hernando Cortes' description of Tenochtitlan as a city as large as Seville or Cordova, with wide and straight streets, and a unique system of half-land, half-water thoroughfares navigated by canoes, offers a glimpse into the remarkable urban center that was the capital of the Aztec Empire. The city's size, layout, and infrastructure reflect the sophistication and ingenuity of the Aztec civilization, and Cortes' account serves as a valuable historical record of this magnificent city.