Introduction
The civilizations of the Americas and those of Asia shared many similarities and differences in their political structure and religious beliefs. The Aztecs, one of the Americas’ civilizations, and early Chinese civilization had different governmental structures and religious beliefs that impacted their societies in diverse ways. When comparing the civilizations of the Americas and Asia, it is essential to note the significant contrasts in their social systems. Unlike the Aztecs, who had clans and a complex political system, early Chinese culture was characterized by a powerful central authority and small towns.
Moreover, the Aztecs worshiped numerous gods and conducted human sacrifice; however, Ancient Chinese civilization was characterized by ancestor worship and the yin and yang concept. The Aztecs and early Chinese society had similar political and societal structures. Nonetheless, their religious practices diverged: the Aztecs followed a polytheistic belief system and performed human sacrifices, whereas Confucianism and Taoism guided early Chinese society.
Comparison of Civilizations
Sociopolitical Organization
The Aztecs and ancient Chinese civilizations had comparable social frameworks and practices. The Aztecs were known for their complex political hierarchy, which was dominated by the emperor, and they were considered divine figures with absolute power. Beneath the emperor were the nobles, who were responsible for governing the provinces and collecting taxes (Strayer).
The Aztec Empire was divided into provinces, where local governors, appointed by the emperor, ruled. The provinces were further divided into smaller units, which were governed by local officials. Ordinary people were organized into clans, each with its own leader, responsible for farming, weaving, and other labor-intensive activities.
Similarly, early Chinese civilization was distinguished by a powerful central government led by a monarch or emperor. According to Strayer (86), “the Chinese state was said to encompass ‘all under heaven.” Early Chinese society was governed by a monarch, who was regarded as the son of heaven and was responsible for ensuring the well-being of his people.
The monarchy was hereditary, and rituals and traditions limited the monarch’s powers. A council of nobles tasked with carrying out the king’s commands and keeping order in the districts advised him. The Chinese society was divided into provinces governed by officials appointed by the monarch. Average citizens were organized into small villages, each with its own leader, responsible for farming and other essential survival tasks.
Religious and Spiritual Practices
Furthermore, the Aztec and Chinese societies differed in religious beliefs. The Aztecs were deeply religious people who believed in a large pantheon of gods. They had a complex system of beliefs that included the idea that the gods controlled everything in their lives and that appeasing them through offerings and sacrifices was necessary.
According to Strayer (355), “human sacrifice assumed an unusually prominent role in Aztec public life and thought during the fifteenth century.” It was believed that sacrificing a human would satisfy the gods and bring good fortune to the empire (Strayer). They performed sacrifices in various forms, ranging from prisoners of war to enslaved people or even volunteers.
Despite the violence inherent in their religious practices, the Aztecs had a rich culture that encompassed art, music, and poetry. They were skilled craftsmen and created intricate works of art in various forms, from pottery to stone carvings (Strayer). They also had a complex system of writing that was used to record their history and religious beliefs.
While the Aztecs believed in many gods and offered human sacrifice, early Chinese society practiced ancestor worship, invented the concept of yin and yang, and created a more complex system of organized belief. In Chinese society, the ancestors were believed to be able to intercede with the gods on behalf of the living (Strayer). They also believed in yin and yang, which states that opposing forces must be harmonious for the cosmos to work correctly.
Early Chinese society was characterized by Confucianism and Taoism as well. Confucianism emphasized the importance of social order and balance, emphasizing respect for authority, a strong work ethic, and the value of education. Conversely, Taoism emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with nature and finding balance in all aspects of life (Strayer). Confucianism and Taoism profoundly influenced Chinese society and culture, shaping everything from politics to art and literature. This worldview shaped Chinese society’s beliefs about the universe and the individual’s place in it, creating a stark contrast with the Aztecs’ polytheistic beliefs and emphasis on human sacrifice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Aztecs and early Chinese societies shared similarities and differences in their social structures and cultures. One similarity was their political structure, which was characterized by the division of their societies into provinces and the appointment of officials to govern them. However, whereas the Aztecs practiced polytheism and human sacrifice, early Chinese society was characterized by Confucian and Taoist beliefs. This difference in religious beliefs profoundly impacted how their societies functioned and their cultural practices. As such, the Aztecs believed human sacrifice was necessary to appease the gods and maintain balance in the world, while early Chinese society valued harmony, balance, and social order.
Work Cited
Strayer, Robert, W. and Eric W. Nelson. Ways of the World: A Brief Global History, Value Edition, Volume 1. Available from: VitalSource Bookshelf, (5th Edition). Macmillan Higher Education, 2021.