Aztec Logistics and the Unanticipated Consequences of Empire

Abstract

The relationship between food and war becomes increasingly complex with the growth and sophistication of the societies involved, notably with sedentary agricultural societies. Stored food not only alters the timing of offensive wars, but also makes that society an increasing target for others. But the logistical limits that define economic hinterlands necessarily affect warfare and limit the projection of force. Complex societies create strategies to overcome these limits, and the Aztec empire is the illustrative example here. Warfare can, and often does, result in the seizure of consumables of other societies. The benefits of this strategy, however, are limited and frequently overlooked. Moreover, the consequences of military expansion on both domestic and tributary production are similarly minimized. Food as a motive for military expansion is a limited motive in terms of the Aztec domestic economy. But it does provide material support for the military enterprise. This chapter focuses on the costs and benefits of military expansion on foodstuffs, what limits it, the consequences for domestic production, and the very real erosion of benefits that result for the commoners who comprise the vast majority of the population even in successful empires.