Question

hy did the Aztecs prefer to collect tributes from conquered enemies rather than seizing their enemy's land?

Aztec farmers were generally lazy and were not interested in having more land to work.

It was much easier for the Aztecs to measure the value of food tributes than the value of land.

Usually, the people who were conquered by the Aztecs did not have any land to give.

Tributes provided power, wealth, and security--without the difficulties of governing a hostile population.

Answer 1

Tributes provided power, wealth, and security—without the difficulties of governing a hostile population.

Explanation: By leaving local rulers in place and extracting regular tribute, the Aztecs gained resources and political control while avoiding the costs, administration, and rebellion risk that come with seizing and directly managing conquered land.