Final answer:
The Maya, Aztecs, and Inca civilizations were hierarchically structured with rulers and nobles at the top of society, sharing this as a key similarity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Maya, Aztecs, and Inca civilizations each had distinct cultures and achievements, but they also shared several similarities. One key similarity was their social structure. These societies were hierarchically organized with a clearly defined upper class, including rulers and nobles at the top echelon. This hierarchy was as visually represented by their iconic pyramids as it was embedded in the structure of their societies. The aristocracy and priestly class played significant roles, and a king or emperor, oftentimes associated with the sun or seen as a deity, was the apex of this structure.
Mayan society additionally showcased a sophisticated system of writing represented by hieroglyphics. They made notable advancements in mathematics as well, including the use of the number zero. The Inca civilization, known for its extensive public works such as roads and irrigation systems, employed a form of social organization where the government distributed goods, resembling a welfare state where peasants worked the lands partly for the state and partly for themselves. In contrast, the Aztec society was known for demanding tribute in the form of goods or labor from conquered peoples, showing another form of hierarchical organization.
Therefore, the correct answer to the similarity between Mayan, Aztec, and Inca civilizations is d) Each society had a clearly defined hierarchy with rulers and nobles at the top.