In what way did the political structure of Maya and Aztec civilizations differ?

The political structure of the Maya and Aztec civilizations reveals significant differences that reflect their societal organization and governance. The Maya primarily operated through numerous city-states, each governed by its own king or ruler. This decentralized approach allowed for a variety of political systems, customs, and practices to exist across different Maya cities. Various city-states would sometimes form alliances or engage in warfare, but they maintained a high degree of autonomy from one another.

In contrast, the Aztec civilization was characterized by a more centralized empire. They established a dominant ruling system based in the capital city of Tenochtitlan, which exerted control over a vast network of territories and city-states. The Aztecs managed to unify numerous tribes and regions under their rule through military conquest and strategic alliances, leading to a more structured political hierarchy.

This distinction is crucial in understanding the administrative and social dynamics of each civilization, illustrating how their unique political structures influenced their interactions, economies, and cultural developments. The Aztec centralized system allowed for quicker dissemination of policies and military organization, while the Maya's city-state model fostered regional diversity and localized governance.