Tarascan-Aztec Conflict (1485)

Timeline

1. 1485Tenochtitlan · Valley of MexicoDuring Tizoc's reign, Mexica nobles pushed westward expansion to compensate for the tribute not obtained from the Flower Wars on the eastern front. The Aztec alliance assembled armies of its valley allies and advanced into Tarascan kingdom territory along the present-day State of Mexico–Michoacán border.
2. 1485Tarascan eastern frontier · MichoacánThe Tarascan army organized its defense with copper axes, atlatls, and mountain fortresses, repelling the Aztec vanguard. Unaccustomed to Tarascan tactical formations and supply systems, the Mexica forces suffered heavy casualties in the border mountains and were forced to withdraw.
3. 1485–1486Tzintzuntzan · Tarascan capitalAfter the expedition's failure, Aztec western expansion plans were shelved. The Tarascans consolidated their defenses at Tzintzuntzan, continuing to control the copper mines and salt resources of the Michoacán basin. The two states maintained a hostile but non-total-war stalemate until the Spanish conquest.