The main goal of the Aztecs in battle was to capture prisoners for sacrifice, which was an essential aspect of their religious beliefs and societal practices. While the Aztecs were skilled warriors and certainly aimed to defend their territory and expand their empire through conquest, the overarching aim in their military engagements was to secure captives rather than to kill their enemies.
Most battles were not fought with the intention of complete destruction; instead, they were orchestrated to weaken opposing forces and provide opportunities to take prisoners. This approach was rooted in their worldview, where human sacrifices were believed to appease their gods and ensure the continuation of the world. The more captives they acquired, the greater the offerings they could provide during religious ceremonies, which reinforced their societal structures and their connection to the divine.