Social Networks and Mathematical Patterns Behind Human Cities, both Modern and Ancient

The 15^th century city Tenochtitlán was once a bustling hub – the religious center and capital of the Aztec civilization, and the most complex society in Mesoamerica. Big cities today are sometimes assumed to be far removed from ancient times as centers of advanced technology, cutting edge planning, and developed economic structures. However, research now shows that both ancient and modern cities follow the same predictable patterns of growth. 

When Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés and his men encountered Tenochtitlán in 1519 they were surprised by its impressive development and large scale. Bernal Díaz del Castillo, a foot soldier in Mexico, wrote later in ‘The Conquest of New Spain,‘ “When we saw so many cities and villages built in the water and other great towns on dry land we were amazed and said that it was like the enchantments (…) on account of the great towers and cues and buildings rising from the water, and all built of masonry.”

The orderly streets, high temples, canals and courthouses reminded the conquistadors of European cities – but neither civilization had based their city planning on the other.