Participants in these events eschewed ranged weapons in preference for weapons like the (*) macuahuitl ("'mah-KWA-weetle").
In addition to the typical explanation for these events, Ross Hassig claims that they also were important in foreign relations as a means of attrition and displaying power and personal skill. These events were begun with the burning of a "pyre of paper and incense" and saw a much higher participation rate among pipiltin than macehualtin ("mah-say-WALL-teen"). Participants in these events eschewed ranged weapons in preference for weapons like the (*) macuahuitl ("'mah-KWA-weetle"). A nobleman from Texcoco ("taysh-KO-ko") wrote that these events were first carried out after a prolonged period of poor harvests because the priests claimed the gods needed more sacrifices. For 10 points, what were these engagements between the Aztecs and their neighbors waged as a means of acquiring sacrificial captives?
In addition to the typical explanation for these events, Ross Hassig claims that they also were important in foreign relations as a means of attrition and displaying power and personal skill.
flowery wars (accept Guerra florida or xōchiyāōyōtl ["show-chee-yah-OH-yohtle"] from anyone brave enough to try the Nahuatl; prompt on Aztec wars or similar answers)