The system of classes in the Inca Empire included the Emperor, the Nobles and the Commoners. King was at the top in this hierarchy and Commoners, who worked as farmers and herders were at the bottom. Just like Incas the Aztecs also followed a strict Social hierarchy consisted of Nobles, Commoners, Serfs and Slaves.

The Inca and Aztec empires were very similar. They were based on managing resources and goods, and the economy was centered around their agriculture. The Incas and the Aztecs were orgianlly clan based but they grew into thriving empires. Both civilizations were also based off of earlier civilizations before them.

The similarity between the Aztecs, Mayans and Incas is that all had control of massive empires that eventually ceased to exist. Other than that common factor, the groups all had different ways of life and unique languages, political agendas, religious views and ways to provide for their people.

The Mayas, for example, made striking advances in writing, astronomy, and architecture. Both the Mayas and the Aztecs created highly accurate calendars. The Aztecs adapted earlier pyramid designs to build massive stone temples. The Incas showed great skill in engineering and in managing their huge empire.

Incas were more powerful, because they were much more unified (and their organisation was definitely superior) than Aztecs. Aztecs, in fact, had no empire. Just alliance of three cities. Their cultural influence wasn’t large.

If the issue were decided by one pitched battle in neutral territory, the Aztecs have a chance, ONLY IF they adapt and abandon their strategy of capturing rather than killing. However, in any other circumstance (invasion of either empire, war of attrition, multiple battles, diplomacy, etc.) the Inca win hands down.

War was the key factor in the Aztecs’ rise to power. The Aztecs built alliances, or partnerships, to build their empire. The Aztecs made the people they conquered pay tribute, or give them cotton, gold, or food. By the early 1500’s the Aztecs had the most powerful state in Mesoamerica.

In short, the Maya came first, and settled in modern-day Mexico. Next came the Olmecs, who also settled Mexico. They didn’t build any major cities, but they were widespread and prosperous. They were followed by the Inca in modern-day Peru, and finally the Aztecs, also in modern-day Mexico.

The Aztecs led a more brutal, warlike lifestyle, with frequent human sacrifices, whereas the Maya favoured scientific endeavours such as mapping the stars. The Inca were based much further south in the Andean region (home to modern-day Peru and Chile) and were accomplished builders.

Nahuatl

Both Mayan men and women got tattoos, although men put off tattoos until they were married. Mayan women preferred delicate tattoos on their upper bodies although not on their breasts. Men got tattoos on their arms, legs, backs, hands and face.

The Maya were a smaller race of people with dark skin, dark eyes and straight black hair, but to them what was considered physically beautiful was not the way they were born, but a long sloping forehead and slightly crossed-eyes. The Maya would bind the newborn infant’s head between two boards for several days.

The Mayans primarily wore Loincloths that were made out of cotton and suitable for the hot climate that they lived in, but would wear a cloak called a manta if the weather was cold. A long cotton dress called a huipil was also worn by Mayan women.

Here’s the list of the top five Mayan Gods of all time:

• Itzamn (or Zamn ) Itzamn, the big cheese overall and lord of the heavens as well as night and day, could be called upon in hard times or calamities.
• Chac.
• Ah Mun.
• Ah Puch.
• Ek Chuah.
• Acan.
• Ix- Chel.
• Xaman Ek.

The history of chocolate can be traced to the ancient Mayans, and even earlier to the ancient Olmecs of southern Mexico. The word chocolate may conjure up images of sweet candy bars and luscious truffles, but the chocolate of today is little like the chocolate of the past.

Aztec Inventions: Antispasmodic medication The Passion flower was used for this purpose, a flower which still grows in Mexico today. The passion flower is still used today as an herbal remedy, believed to help with insomnia, epilepsy, and high blood pressure.

Although much of the Maya life was spent doing hard work, they did enjoy entertainment as well. A lot of their entertainment was centered around religious ceremonies. They played music, danced, and played games such as the Maya ball game.