Did Aztecs have surplus of food?

The Aztecs did not have a consistent surplus of food in the modern sense. While they were skilled farmers and developed sophisticated agricultural techniques, their food production was largely focused on meeting the needs of their large population.

Here's why:

* Population Pressure: The Aztec Empire was densely populated, and their capital, Tenochtitlan, was one of the largest cities in the world at the time. This created immense demand for food.

* Limited Resources: While the Aztecs developed chinampas and other ingenious farming methods, their agricultural lands were still limited by the geographical constraints of the Valley of Mexico.

* Tribute System: The Aztec Empire relied heavily on a tribute system, where conquered cities and villages paid taxes in the form of food and other goods. This ensured that the capital city had access to a steady supply of resources, but it also meant that surplus production in other areas was often diverted to the central government.

Therefore, while the Aztecs were able to produce enough food to feed their population in most years, they did not have a surplus in the sense of having excess food that could be stored for long periods or used for trade.

However, it's important to note that:

* The Aztecs had elaborate systems for storing and distributing food, particularly grains like maize.

* They also had a sophisticated market system, where goods, including food, were traded.

* The Aztecs were not a static society, and their food production and distribution systems could fluctuate depending on factors like weather, population growth, and political stability.

Ultimately, while the Aztecs were skilled farmers and had a complex food system, they operated on a more "just-in-time" basis, with food production largely focused on meeting immediate needs rather than generating large surpluses.