Blog #4 - Aztecs and Incas

Who made a greater impact during their existence - the Aztecs or the Incas?

While reading the section related to the Aztecs and the Incas, the question popped into my mind: "Who was sexier - Ginger or Mary Ann?" (For you youngsters, Ginger and Mary Ann were two characters from the 1960's show Gilligan's Island)  But wait, how can one come up with a sexist question like this while reading through a world history book?  First off, I will try to keep my sexist comments within reason, but will still use them as they assist in getting my point across.  Second, the reason I posed the question is because, just like Ginger and Mary Ann, there is no wrong answer.  Each Empire had its qualities that helped make it stand out  So lets proceed ...

Lets first look at the Aztec Empire.  According to Strayer, the Aztecs started in what we now know as northern Mexico, settling in the southern region around Lake Texcoco, and building their capital of Tenochtitlan.  They had a strong military that "united" neighboring city-states within a single political structure.  Their population was approximately 5 to 6 million people.  The main city had palaces, a pyramid, canals, and bridges.  The subjugated people were required to pay taxes in the form of staples and luxurious goods.  The Aztecs believed they were created from the blood of their Gods so they regularly participated in human sacrifice. (Strayer, Pages 382-386)

Next there was the Inca Empire.  According to Strayer, the Incas were located on the western coastline of South America along the Andes Mountains within an area greater than that possessed by the Aztecs, as well as a larger population of approximately 10 million people.  The Incas also had a strong military; which brought together the neighboring city-states.  Their government was different from the Aztecs, as theirs was more bureaucratic with local leaders and governors in each area answering to an emperor.  Another area where they differed from the Aztecs was that during tough times, and during boom times, they opened their storehouses to the poor and the widows.  Service was required to the Inca Empire, but human sacrifice was not needed.  (Strayer, Pages 386-388)

As Ginger and Mary Ann had similarities (to start, they were both women and both very attractive), so did the Aztecs and the Incas.  Both empires carved their way into world history based on their rapid rise and significance.  They both unified neighboring city-states with the use of a mighty military, they both accumulated a great amount of wealth, and lastly, they were both defeated by the Spaniards.  Where they differed was how they ruled - political structure, and human sacrifice versus human service.  I relate their two societies to two superpowers in today's society - specifically China and the United States.  Our two countries have distinctly different ideologies.  Examples include their political structures, there religions, and how they treat and value (an arguably biased opinion based on limited information) their people.  Whether we are looking at the two empires or at our two countries, we are looking at models that have solidified their place in history.

By the way - I've always been a "girl-next-door" kind of person, so hands down its Mary Ann.