Differences And Similarities Between The Aztec And Greek Empires

Mighty empires have forever risen and eventually met their match throughout the centuries of earth’s existence. Their are those who leave without contribution and those who have remarkably shaped our world today. Among these civilizations that left an impact are the Greek and Aztec empires. While both civilizations left astonishing changes in the world, the developments made by Greek thinkers outdo those of the Aztecs when evaluating their creation of a prosperous government, understanding of literature, and enlightened ideas. Ancient Greece civilization also surpasses the Aztec empire with artistic development and scientific findings. The two share many similarities plainly explaining both of their success, but also reveal varying differences

Councils consisting of four upper class men related by blood to the past emperor declared an emperor. To be appointed as a ruler, you had to be a man over 30 years old, have received an education at an elite calmecac school, demonstrate an expertise in military leadership, be skillful in war, and to be morally driven. Emperors did hold a majority of the power, but had the help of four advisors. Moreover, city-states divided the Aztec empire comparable to Greece. A supreme leader and a supreme judge, who also served as a administrator, governed city-states in the Aztec empire. Supreme leaders ruled until their death leading the military, monitoring temples, settling conflicts and other ideas in the same realm. The ruler of the city-state Tenochtitlan was to be the emperor of the Aztecs as a whole however since Tenochtitlan was the capital. This government style, present throughout the ancient Aztec empire, was very old school and not nearly as influential as Greek democracy. That being said, Greece did suffer a time with tyrants, proving to be an unsuccessful period, but was leading them down to the path of a democracy. What separates the civilizations in terms of development was the Greeks ability to recognize when a system does not work and make a change for the better. While the Aztecs may have been content with their way of life, they did not truly explore the rights and change that could have been brought to them. Aztec thinkers did not go so far as to attempt to improve their society as Greek individuals pursued. Greek civilians shaped the future by continuing to look for the “right” form of government and not being afraid of disrupting the status