Final answer:
Records and archaeological evidence indicate that Tenochtitlan had a large population, estimated to be around 200,000 to 300,000 people. Census records, archaeological excavations, and Spanish accounts provide insights into the social structure and urban development of the city.
Step-by-step explanation:
Records provide valuable insights into the population of Tenochtitlan, the capital city of the Aztec Empire. These records tell us that Tenochtitlan was one of the largest cities in the world at the time, with a population estimated to be around 200,000 to 300,000 people. The Aztecs kept detailed census records, which included information about different social classes, professions, and ethnic groups within the city.
Archaeological excavations have also provided evidence of the population size. For example, the discovery of thousands of human skulls in the Templo Mayor, the main temple of Tenochtitlan, suggests a significant population.
Furthermore, the Spanish conquistadors who arrived in Tenochtitlan in the 16th century also left accounts of the city's population. These accounts describe a thriving metropolis with bustling markets, grand temples, and a complex urban layout.
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