Aztec Chinampas To grow enough food for their population, the Aztecs built chinampas, or artificial islands, in swamps

and shallow water.

Inca Ruins The Inca Empire was a vast kingdom that thrived hundreds of years ago in South America. One spectacular Inca city was Machu Picchu, located high in the Andes mountains. The abandoned remains of the city, shown here, were discovered in 1911.

Maya City The ancient Maya people of southern Mexico and Central America built an advanced civilization more than 1,000 years ago. Every Maya city had a large public square, palaces, and pyramids topped with temples.

Hanging Gardens of Babylon The Mesopotamian city of Babylon was one of the most important cities in the ancient world. This picture shows the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The gardens grew on the roofs and terraces of the royal palace in Babylon.