1. Expansion and Conquest: Both the Aztec and Inca civilizations were known for their military prowess and territorial conquests. They both used military strategies, alliances, and diplomacy to expand their empires.
2. Centralised Government: Both civilizations had centralized governments with powerful rulers at their head. In the Aztec empire, the ruler was known as the Tlatoani, while in the Inca empire, the ruler was called the Sapa Inca.
3. Large-scale Construction Projects: Both civilizations were remarkable builders and undertook impressive construction projects. The Aztecs built massive temples, pyramids, causeways, and cities like Tenochtitlan. The Incas constructed extensive road systems, bridges, agricultural terraces, and cities such as Machu Picchu.
4. Religious Beliefs and Rituals: Both the Aztec and Inca civilizations had complex religious systems with a pantheon of gods. They performed elaborate rituals, ceremonies, and sacrifices to appease their deities and ensure prosperity and protection.
5. Social Hierarchy: Aztec and Inca societies were highly stratified, with a rigid social hierarchy. Both civilizations had a ruling elite, nobles, priests, commoners, and slaves.
6. Agriculture and Terrace Farming: Both civilizations relied heavily on agriculture and cultivated a wide variety of crops, including corn, beans, potatoes, and quinoa. They practiced advanced agricultural techniques, such as terrace farming, to maximise agricultural production.
7. Tribute Systems and Trade: The Aztecs and Incas both imposed tribute systems on conquered peoples and established extensive trade networks to obtain various resources and commodities.
8. Art and Cultural Exchange: Both civilizations had rich cultural traditions, including arts, crafts, music, and architecture. They had advanced mathematical and astronomical knowledge and developed complex systems of writing (Aztec codices and Inca quipus).
While there are similarities in the Aztec and Inca civilizations, it's important to note that they had significant differences in their history, culture, and specific practices. These differences are a result of their unique geographical locations, social dynamics, and historical developments.