The Aztecs applied their engineering skills to overcome the challenges of living on an island in several ways. They constructed a system of chinampas, which were artificial islands made by layering mud and plants on wooden frames. These chinampas allowed them to create fertile agricultural land and grow crops to sustain their population. The Aztecs also built a series of causeways and bridges to connect their island city of Tenochtitlan with the mainland, enabling trade and transportation. They also designed and built an advanced drainage system to manage the water levels and prevent flooding on the island.
