Conversation so far:
How did the indigenous peoples of Mexico develop their cities while under the restrictions of non-indigenous people?
As the Spanish consolidated their rule, the crown recognized the indigenous nobility in Mesoamerica as nobles and kept the existing basic structure of indigenous city-states.
How did the economy of colonial Mexico work?
Since Mesoamerican peoples had an existing requirement of labor duty and tribute pre-conquest, Spaniards who were awarded the labor and tribute of particular communities in encomienda could benefit financially.

Question: Are there any other interesting aspects about this article?
Self-contained rewrite: Are there any other interesting aspects about the article about the indigenous peoples of Mexico besides the colonial era?