what did aztec society have in common with ancient greece?

Despite being geographically and culturally distant, Aztec society and ancient Greece shared some similarities, particularly in certain aspects of their social, political, and religious structures:

1. City-States

Both Aztec society and ancient Greece were organized into city-states, each with its own government, laws, and cultural identity. In Greece, city-states like Athens, Sparta, and Corinth operated semi-autonomously, while in Aztec society, cities like Tenochtitlan, Texcoco, and Tlacopan formed the Triple Alliance, ruling over a confederation of city-states.

2. Polytheistic Religion

Both civilizations practiced polytheistic religions with pantheons of gods and goddesses who played significant roles in daily life, governance, and cultural rituals. Greek mythology featured deities like Zeus, Athena, and Apollo, while Aztec religion revered gods such as Huitzilopochtli, Quetzalcoatl, and Tlaloc, with elaborate rituals including sacrifices and festivals.

3. Military and Warfare

Both societies placed a strong emphasis on military prowess and warfare. Ancient Greek city-states frequently engaged in conflicts, such as the Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta. Similarly, the Aztecs conducted military campaigns to expand their empire, acquire tribute, and capture prisoners for religious sacrifice.

4. Cultural Achievements

Both civilizations made significant contributions to art, architecture, literature, philosophy, and science. Greek achievements include the Parthenon, works of literature by Homer and Plato, and advancements in mathematics and astronomy. Aztec culture produced impressive architecture like the Templo Mayor, intricate codices documenting history and mythology, and advancements in agriculture and medicine.

5. Social Hierarchies

While the specific structures differed, both societies had social hierarchies with distinct classes and roles. In ancient Greece, society was divided into citizens, non-citizens, and slaves, with notable disparities in rights and privileges. Similarly, Aztec society had classes such as nobles, commoners, and slaves, with inherited social status and obligations.

6. Urban Centers

Both civilizations developed thriving urban centers characterized by bustling marketplaces, administrative buildings, religious temples, and public spaces for gatherings and ceremonies. Athens, with its agora and Acropolis, exemplified Greek urban life, while Tenochtitlan, the capital of the Aztec Empire, was one of the largest and most sophisticated cities of its time.

While these similarities provide intriguing points of comparison, it's essential to recognize that each civilization had its unique cultural, historical, and geographical context, leading to distinct developments and legacies.