What type of warfare did the Aztecs use?

Aztec warfare involved calling up warriors when required for a campaign. Soldiers were trained from childhood and used weapons like clubs, javelins, and short swords. Battles involved two armies facing each other, first launching missiles and then engaging in hand-to-hand combat.

Why was warfare important to the Aztecs?

Warfare was important to the Aztecs because it allowed them to increase their territory, gain tribute from conquered tribes, and acquire sacrificial victims for Aztec religious ceremonies. Military prowess also carried prestige in Aztec society.

What tactics did the Aztecs use in battle?

The tactics used by the Aztecs in battle included diplomacy, espionage, direct attacks on enemy cities and armies, and the capturing alive of prisoners for future sacrifice in religious ceremonies.

Aztec Warfare Timeline

Definition

The Aztecs engaged in warfare (yaoyotl) to acquire territory, resources, quash rebellions, and to collect sacrificial victims to honour their gods. Warfare was a fundamental part of Aztec culture with all males expected to actively participate and battle, referred to in Nahuatl poetry as 'the song of shields', was regarded as a perpetual religious and political necessity.

More about: Aztec Warfare

Timeline

c. 1345 - 1521
The Aztec civilization flourishes in Mesoamerica.
1418
Texcoco is temporarily conquered by Mexica and Tepanec forces.
1428
The Triple Alliance is formed between Tenochtitlan, Texcoco and Tlacopan.
c. 1450
The Aztecs establish a garrison at Mitla in the Oaxaca Valley.
c. 1485
The Stone of Tizoc is carved depicting the Aztec king Tizoc attacking warriors from the Matlatzinca.
1487
The Templo Mayor is completed at Tenochtitlan and inaugurated with the sacrifice of 20,000 captives.
c. 1494
Aztec leader Ahuitzotl conquers the central valleys of Oaxaca.
c. 1499
Aztec leader Ahuitzotl conquers the Soconusco region.
c. 1507
The Throne of Motecuhzoma II is carved. Also known as the Monument of Sacred War.
1521
Texcoco provides ships and men to aide the Spanish siege of Tenochtitlan.
13 Aug 1521
The Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan falls into the hands of Spanish forces led by Hernán Cortés.

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