Question

Which of the following was an important similarity between the role of religion in the Maya city-states and empires across Asia and Africa between 700 A.D. to 1450?

a. A focus on monotheism
b. Limited influence on political structures
c. A shared emphasis on polytheism
d. Absence of religious practices

Answer 1

The Maya city-states and empires across Asia and Africa between 700 A.D. to 1450 A.D. shared a focus on polytheism, worshiping multiple deities that were integral to their societies.

Step-by-step explanation:

An important similarity between the role of religion in the Maya city-states and empires across Asia and Africa between 700 A.D. to 1450 A.D. was a shared emphasis on polytheism. The Mayans developed a complex pantheon concerning agricultural cycles, worshiping gods such as the corn god, a crucial aspect of their religion and society. In Africa, ancient beliefs often included a supreme being but focused day-to-day worship on a variety of secondary deities, while Hinduism in Asia also involved the worship of many gods.

The detailed analysis of religious structures and beliefs shows that although the specifics of these polytheistic religions varied, the common characteristic among these civilizations was the practice of polytheism rather than monotheism, as each culture had multiple deities that played vital roles in the religious and social order.