Final answer:
The Mayans and Aztecs shared similarities such as advanced agricultural techniques, impressive architectural structures for religion, common Mesoamerican cultural heritage with hierarchical social structures, and sophisticated writing systems.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Mayan and Aztec civilizations were remarkable cultures that thrived in Mesoamerica, sharing several noteworthy similarities. Both developed sophisticated agricultural techniques that supported large populations and were vital for their cities and trade networks. Their impressive architectural structures, including pyramids like the Pyramid of Kukulcán in Chichén Itzá, were constructed for religious and ceremonial purposes, showing their advanced understanding of engineering and astronomy.
Moreover, these civilizations were rooted in a common Mesoamerican cultural heritage, where a hierarchical social structure prevailed. Rulers, priests, and warriors had key roles, mirroring their respective political systems. Another shared feature was their sophisticated systems of writing such as the elaborate hieroglyphics of the Mayans, stemming from earlier Olmec influences, and the Aztec's pictographic script.
Religious beliefs and practices were also strikingly similar, with both cultures engaging in rituals like human sacrifice to appease their deities, which represented natural elements such as rain and storm. Their innovations, such as the Maya's calendar and system of mathematics, including the concept of zero, showcase both civilizations' significant scientific advances that have captured the interest of contemporary scholars.