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The Aztec Flower Wars: Ritual Combat or Conquest Strategy
Description
In this episode of The Conquistadors, Lucas and Luna explore the xochiyaoyotl — the Aztec Flower Wars. Were they ritualized combat to capture prisoners for sacrifice, or a strategic tool of imperial expansion? The hosts examine the origins under Tlacaelel, the role of the Tlaxcalans as a perpetual enemy, and how the Flower Wars shaped the balance of power when Cortés arrived. They discuss the archaeological evidence from the Templo Mayor, the fate of captives, and the debate among historians over the 'peaceful' versus 'coercive' nature of these wars. The episode also touches on the last Flower War before the Spanish conquest and its ironic legacy: it kept Tlaxcala independent and ready to ally with Cortés. This episode offers a nuanced look at a uniquely Mesoamerican institution, challenging simplistic views of Aztec warfare.