War

If the city still refused to join the Aztecs, the war began. Messengers were dispatched to cities throughout the Empire to gather soldier for the war. On the day chosen by priest as the luckiest day to start the campaign, the great war drum boomed out over Tenochtitlan and the army gathered in the Temple Precinct. Eventually a huge force set out, complete with priests, women cooks, porters, and engineers. The soldiers from each city marched in separate groups. The army was fed by the cities through which it passed. discipline was fierce, and the soldiers who stole from an attacked a civilian were executed.

THE BATTLE

When the army arrived at the enemy city, Jaguar knights were sent to spy out the land. They signalled to each other by imitating bird calls. The Eagle knights attacked at dawn, making a great noise, stamping their feet, chanting, an whistling loudly to frighten the foe. Then the jaguar knights encircled their enemy . The fighting was very fierce , but Aztecs tried to wound or captured their enemies rather than kill them . When the Aztec's general decided that the battle was won. Messengers were sent to call on their opponents to surrender.

SURRENDER

Once the enemy surrendered, a peace treaty was drawn up which listed the amount of tribute. The conquered city would be governed by an aztec noble. Prisoners - men women, and children were taken back to the victorious cities until the time came for them to be sacrificed.

WAR OF FLOWERS

Occasionally there were periods when there was no war. At such a times, the cities of the triple alliance would arrange to the fight "Wars of the flowers" with certain neighbors, such as Tlaxcala, whose people were particularly valued as offerings. These battles were like ceremonial tournaments. When it was decided that each side had enough prisoners, the battle was ended and the armies returned home with their spoils