Informative Essay

It is easy to assume that ancient civilizations are antiquated in their beliefs and practices. Ancient civilizations include the Mayans, Inca, and Aztecs. The time periods for these peoples ranged from 1500 BC to AD 1345. The Mayans, Inca, and Aztecs were all advanced for their time. All three societies had a sophisticated social structure. In source 1, it states, “Mayan society was hierarchical, divided by both class and profession.” Mayans divided their society into four tiers: the king, nobles, priest and commoners, then slaves. Source 2, asserts, “Aztec society was strictly hierarchical, ruled by a godlike emperor.” The ruler kept the society advanced by keeping religion alive by demanding tribute for sacrifice. Source imparts, “Incan society was hierarchical and highly centralized.” Incan society had a social pyramid. At the top was the emperor, then the provincial governors, followed by local rulers and leaders, and common people at he bottom. All of these civilizations were considered advanced for their highly organized …show more content…
In “Mayan civilizations,” Susan Hopkins shares, “they developed complex hieroglyphic writing that they used to record historical and religious events.” With hieroglyphics, the Mayans could make calendars, study the stars, and record technological advances. Jose Maldonado says, “They used picture writing to record political and religious history.” Picture writing is considered advanced because not many societies were this developed; they could not create a new writing system. Akbar Patel says, “They were able to keep track of trade goods and stockpiles with a special system of knotted strings called ‘quipu.’” Even though the Inca did not invent a way of writing, they did create an efficient way of logging trade information. Not many societies had their own writing system long ago, but these few civilizations did; that is why they are