Final answer:
The Maya, Inca, and Aztec civilizations differed in their cultural practices, economic systems, and political structures. The Maya had blood-letting ceremonies and human sacrifices, the Inca had a centralized economic system, and the Aztecs relied heavily on tribute.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Maya, Inca, and Aztec civilizations had several similarities and differences across various aspects of their societies.
Cultural Practices:
The Maya, Inca, and Aztecs all had complex religious beliefs and rituals. However, their practices differed in some ways. For example, the Maya had blood-letting ceremonies and human sacrifices as part of their religious rituals, while the Incas had elaborate ceremonies focused on honoring their gods. The Aztecs practiced human sacrifices on a large scale as a way to appease their gods.
Economic Systems:
In terms of economic systems, the Maya, Inca, and Aztecs had distinct approaches. The Maya had a mixed economy that involved agriculture (including the cultivation of maize), trade, and tribute from conquered regions. The Inca had a centralized economic system in which the government controlled and distributed resources, including food. The Aztecs also had a centralized economy, but it relied heavily on tribute from conquered territories.
Political Structures:
The Maya, Inca, and Aztecs had different political structures. The Maya had city-states ruled by divine kings and a highly hierarchical society. The Inca had an emperor who was considered divine and ruled over a vast empire. The Aztecs had an emperor who had great power but ruled through a system of local governors.