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areas, because there was little likelihood these towns would be reinforced from outside (which permitted the Aztecs to assess the actual threat more precisely and dispatch a commensurate force). Moreover, the Aztecs could draw on the existing tributary towns interspersed throughout the region for arms, men, and logistical support. But without instituting structural changes in local polities, this system still depended on the cooperation of the conquered. |
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Either Moteuczomah Xocoyotl's first thrust was too weak to achieve all its aims or the people of the Huaxyacac region were alarmed at this incursion and resisted, so a further campaign was launched into the Huaxyacac area, probably in campaign season 15051506 (see maps 19 and 21). This campaign was ostensibly precipitated by the killing of Aztec merchants whom Moteuczomah Xocoyotl had sent to Tototepec and Quetzaltepec to secure some goods (either precious stones, called huitziltetl according to one version, or sand for lapidary work, according to another). Although the merchants gave the lords of Tototepec rich mantles and explained their mission, they were killed,
25 and the roads were closed. These events were related to Moteuczomah Xocoyotl by other merchants, and he sent additional merchants to investigate. Traveling day and night disguised as Huexotzincas, they learned that the account given Moteuczomah Xocoyotl was true and quickly returned to Tenochtitlan.26 Whatever the specific truth of this account, it does point to a lack of Aztec control in the region. |
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Moteuczomah Xocoyotl told the kings of Tetzcoco and Tlacopan what had happened; they agreed on war and ordered double supplies prepared because of the trip's length. Allied towns were told to gather their forces at Ocotepec and then march to Xaltianquizco to meet the armies of Tenochtitlan, Tetzcoco, and Tlacopan. The only major obstacle the army encountered on this trek was the Quetzalotli-Itempan River, which cut their path. When scouts failed to find a better route, the army built reed rafts and crossed, but the delay must have been considerable. |
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The Aztec army numbered 400,000, and when it reached Tototepec, the soldiers entered and burned the temple and royal houses and slaughtered all the people above nine years of age. The Aztecs took 600 captives, the Acolhuas 400, and the Tepanecs 350,27 and Quetzaltepec was also conquered.28 |
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At this time another flower war was fought with Huexotzinco, Atlixco, and Cholollan (see map 20).29 But instead of sending only a |
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