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unknown to them. The repeated use of this tactic clearly points to a primary interest in the outcome of the battles and not in the manner of their execution. Individual exploits remained important to the soldiers involved, but not to the state. The polity's interests were in the success of the battles and of the campaign. Thus, scouting an adversary's defensive posture was aimed at exploiting whatever weaknesses might be found. |
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After the scouts reported, the allied army divided into four units, which were sent, respectively, to Tecalco, Cuauht-Inchan, Acatzinco, and Tepeyacac. At dawn all four attacked at a signal and conquered and burned the four cities. The lords of Tepeyacac submitted and agreed to pay tribute.
61 Tecamachalco, Coatepec, Yohualtepec, Oztoticpac, and Tetl-Icoyoccan (Tecoyocan) also became subjects as a result of this campaign, but they presumably submitted following the fall of the first four towns rather than actually being subdued. Reaching the Tepeyacac region required only nine to fourteen days' march (275 km. or 170 mi.), most through friendly territory. But less than the usual two to four days was required in the combat area, because the armies divided and conquered towns simultaneously. |
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The Aztecs also expanded into the Gulf coast area, stretching on into the Huaxyacac region. According to the Aztec accounts, Moteuczomah Ilhuicamina had sent the pochtecah to Coatzacualco for goods, including gold dust, to adorn the temple of Huitzilopochtli. On their return via Tecuantepec they reached Mictlan (Mitla), where they were robbed and killed by order of the lords of Huaxyacac, and their bodies were left to be eaten by animals.62 News of this was brought to Moteuczomah Ilhuicamina by merchants from Chalco, and an army was dispatched. |
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The city of Huaxyacac was attacked, the cuahchicqueh climbed the great temple and burned it, and the city was conquered,63 as were the nearby cities of Mictlan, Miahuatlan, Quetzaltepec, and Tamazollan, and the Gulf coast towns of Cozamaloapan, Otlatlan, and Tochtepec64 (see map 8). Coatzalcualco was not conquered but did give tribute.65 Whatever the rationale for this campaign, it further encircled Tlaxcallan, Huexotzinco, and Atlixco, deprived them of potential allies, and continued the logical Aztec expansion and consolidation of areas to the east and south. |
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En route to Huaxyacac the Aztecs passed through tributary lands that provided logistical support, but thereafter the army must have lived off the land or have negotiated with towns en route, since its |
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