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these conditions the Huexotzincas probably took the defensive and thus suffered fewer casualties. It is apparent, in any case, that the nature of the struggle had changed, and the Aztecs did succeed in conquering the nearby city of Cuauhquechollan
47 and probably Itzteyocan48 and Itzyocan,49 further tightening the encirclement of the region. |
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Thereafter, probably in 1509, the Aztecs marched on the province of Amatlan (Amatitlan; see map 19),50 but the army encountered unexpected snow and blizzard conditions in the mountains, and many soldiers died.51 The Aztecs reached Amatlan with too few soldiers to conquer ita serious blow to the Aztec efforts to establish credibility as a power in the region. |
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A short hiatus began around 1510, when strange celestial events were observed.52 These were felt to have astrological significance, and wars throughout the land are said to have stopped.53 Astrological predictions were important in Aztec culture, and dire ones may have led to the cessation of some campaigns, but a major strategic retreat is unlikely. Indeed, the lull was brief. Whether or not these celestial events were interpreted as presaging ill fortune for the Aztecs (and whether or not this was an interpretation by the Aztecs or by those who would rebel), numerous towns revolted throughout the empire, initiating a difficult period for the Aztecs. |
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Because political stability depended on the cooperation of vanquished peoples and their belief in the Aztecs' ability to punish any disobedience, the entire empire could not be forcibly subdued and controlled at any one time. The revolts that followed the astronomical phenomena of 1510 were so far-flung and widespread that the Aztecs were incapable of dealing with all of them in both an effective and timely manner. |
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When towns in the area of southern Huaxyacac rebelled, Moteuczomah Xocoyotl began another campaign and conquered Icpatepec, Malinaltepec, Xochitepec, and Izquixochitlan in 1511 or 1512,54 along with Izquixochitepec, Huilotepec, Tecuantepec, probably Miahuatlan and Coatlayauhcan55 and, probably, Tzinacantlan, Huitztlan, and Xoconochco (see maps 19 and 21).56 It was probably during this campaign that the Tzapotecs were tied into the empire, although the Aztecs did not conquer their fortress of Guiengola, nor was this necessary. Passage through the area was more important to the Aztecs than domination and tribute extraction per se, so transit rights were negotiated.57 It was most likely on the return portion of |
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