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were probably among the many rebellious cities.
27 But they probably capitulated voluntarily or were reconquered on a case-by-case basis. With the possible exception of Toztlan, Tizoc's scattered conquests remained well within the existing area of logistical support, although this area was probably deteriorating (see map 14). |
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In 1486 Tizoc agreed to return home rule to the Chalca towns.28 The reasons for this decision are unclear. Perhaps the Chalcas were now sufficiently aligned with the Aztecs to permit them home rule. But given Tizoc's weak record, the decision may reflect his unwillingness to enforce military rule any longer, which may have contributed to his downfall. |
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Despite his poor combat record Tizoc did institute changes in Aztec society reflecting military concerns, declaring that the Huexotzincas were such good warriors that no soldier would be given the insignia of a valiant warrior unless he had captured one.29 It seems paradoxical that Tizoc would increase the requirements for rising in military status when his own record was so weak, but it may simply have been an attempt to encourage greater effort and to place responsibility on the soldiers for his poor performance. The change also reflects the accelerating requirements for military advancement, however, and an increasing division between the noble and commoner classes. Tizoc may have been forced to adopt this course of action by the growing numbers of commoners seeking social mobility through martial accomplishmentsa consequence of Moteuczomah Ilhuicamina's having increased the number of telpochcalli. |
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In ordinary wars of conquest most of the prisoners taken were commoners, both because they were more numerous than nobles and because they received poorer military training. Thus, taking a commoner prisoner would not necessarily reflect great martial skill or daring. In a flower war, however, a primary goal was to demonstrate individual martial skills, those involving the use of shock weapons. The supporting commoners, at least those not in the telpochcalli, were largely (perhaps totally) absent from these conflicts. The net effect was that fewer prisoners were taken and when they were, it required considerably more skill. Tizoc's new standard thus further reduced the chances of commoners' rising in class through military exploits by requiring that they excel in a flower war (i.e., against Huexotzinco), the very type of conflict in which they were least represented. |
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Tizoc's reign did not reflect an attempt to change imperial strat- |
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