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Compare And Contrast Inca And Aztec Empires

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In Mesoamerica and the Andes, two distinct Empires, the Aztecs and Incas, emerged from previous cultures. Their developments in politics, religion, and in society had some similarities, but differed as well based on their different geographical locations. To politically gain control of areas in the Central and South America, the Aztec and Inca Empires had a period of fighting between local chiefdoms and small states. The developments of sacrificial religions helped develop tribute and labor empires. Socially, kinship-based institutions emerged into a social hierarchy, creating an organized state. The political, religious, and the social developments of the Aztec and Inca Empires created two great cultures that are still present in the world …show more content…

Gaining partial control of Lake Texcoco and settling at Tenochtitlan, The Aztecs began to develop regional politics. Aztec politics were based on military strength with a slightly decentralized government because of constant expansion, causing less unity within the Empire. Similarly, the Incas gained their political strength from imperial conquests. The kingdom of Chimor was locate in the Andean region of South America. A series of military campaigns by Inca leader, Pachacuti, led to the downfall of the Chimor, allowing the Incas to settle at Lake Titicaca. Over the next few years, the Inca army was constantly expanding the empire in the region. Unlike the Aztecs, however, Incan government was more complex and centralized, ultimately creating a more stable empire. The Incas adopted split inheritance from the Chimor kingdom, which all political power went to the ruler’s successor, except for his possessions, which went to the male decedent. The military nature of the Aztecs and Incas developed similar political systems that was motivated to conquer more lands. The religious developments of the Aztecs and Incas helped create tribute and

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