|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The predictable and stylized battle actions typical of the flower wars were largely missing from the Aztec battles of conquest. When wars were fought for effect, not for show, and when the goals were conquest, suppression of revolts, or retaliation, battle tactics and sites naturally varied with the targets and conditions.
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In general battles started in the morning, usually at dawn.2 But even though dawn attacks were anticipated by the enemy, surprise attacks could sometimes be effected.3 If the battle was not won during the day, the armies usually disengaged shortly before sunset.4 Night attacks were uncommon, because the dark severely limited large-scale movements and troop control. But small-scale night raiding was common among some groups, such as the Mixtecs, Tzapotecs, and Otomies (the ethnic group, not the otontin military order).5 The militarily sophisticated Aztecs generally carried out night assaults only against nearby (and thus familiar) targets and not during distant campaigns.6 In short, they used the tactic only where difficulties of control and communication were minimized and they were confident of a relatively easy victory.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Smoke was used as a general signal to other camps and cities that there was war or that an army was approaching.8 These signals were also used to initiate coordinated attacks,9 but because they were pre- |
|
|
|
|
|