> On Thu, 20 Dec 2001 bwbfc_at_a... wrote:
>
> > Hi,
> >
> > A little question: Is there a well-known explanation for the
Flower Wars in
> > Caladraland being called like that, or is it a fancy name left for
> > interpretation? (or are they called something else?)
> >
> > I can imagine there's a relation with the ritual of the wars, or
maybe it
> > used to be so called because in the Pharaoh's time they sacrificed
flowers to
> > Caladra instead of people, and the name stuck. Any suggestion?
> >
> > Jerome
>
> It sounds very aztek to me. Flowers and hearts to sacrifice. Wars
not
> fought over land or riches, but fought to get prisoners of brave
> warriors to sacrifice to the gods.
>
> -Adept
That strikes a cord with me. Read a recent article re the Aztec
Flower Wars. As I recall, it was ritualized warfare, but its
main purpose was to criple the military potential of subjugated
nations (identify their best fighters and kill them). The religious
overtones was just the veneer to cover the real political purpose.
I'll try and look it up. Be worth a re-read. Will post publication
info if I do run across it.