Similarities
- Advanced Agricultural Systems: Both civilizations developed intensive agricultural systems that allowed them to support large populations. The Aztecs used a system of chinampas, or floating gardens, to grow crops in the shallow lakes of the Valley of Mexico. The Incas used a system of terraces to grow crops on the steep slopes of the Andes Mountains.
- Impressive Architecture: Both civilizations constructed impressive structures, including temples, palaces, and fortresses. The Aztecs built the Great Pyramid of Tenochtitlan, which was one of the largest pyramids in the world. The Incas built Machu Picchu, a mountaintop city that is considered to be one of the most amazing feats of engineering in the ancient world.
- Complex Social Structures: Both civilizations had complex social structures that were based on a hierarchy of classes. The Aztec society was divided into four classes: nobles, priests, commoners, and slaves. The Inca society was divided into three classes: the royal family, the nobility, and the common people.
- Polytheistic Religions: Both civilizations were polytheistic, meaning that they believed in multiple gods. The Aztec gods included Huitzilopochtli, the god of war, and Tlaloc, the god of rain. The Inca gods included Viracocha, the creator god, and Inti, the sun god.
Differences
- Geographic Location: The Aztec civilization was located in central Mexico, while the Inca civilization was located in South America. The Aztecs lived in a temperate climate, while the Incas lived in a variety of climates, including tropical rainforests, deserts, and mountains.
- Political Systems: The Aztec empire was ruled by an emperor who was advised by a council of nobles. The Inca empire was ruled by a single emperor who had absolute power.
- Religion: The Aztecs practiced a form of sacrificial religion. They believed that human sacrifice was necessary to appease the gods and ensure the continued existence of the world. The Incas did not practice human sacrifice, but they did mummify their dead and bury them with their belongings.
Despite their differences, the Aztec and Inca civilizations were both highly sophisticated and influential cultures that left a lasting legacy on the Americas.