Roman Culture & Society Compared with the Aztec

A Brief Overview of these Civilizations

Both the Roman culture and the Aztec culture were similar in many regards. These societies were highly structured and had advanced technologies like water systems and as well as formal education and politics. Romans and Aztecs also both kept slaves although there were some differences in how this as implemented. It could be said that both societies attained a certain level of sophistication and advancements in technologies.

Classes and gender roles in the Aztec society were very rigid and stratified. (Spielvogel & Duiker, 2013) There were few opportunities for upward mobility but they did exist. Positions in the government were very privileged positions and were an inherited by birth. The existing government was authoritarian and was led by a monarch who claimed descent from the gods. Unlike many common systems similar to this however, once a ruler died, the next ruler was not determined by a line of succession but rather, was chosen from a group of family members who were eligible by a small council (Spielvogel & Duiker, 2013).

The Roman Republic, in contract to the Aztec society, transitioned from a monarch to republican rule where officials were elected. At the time the, “Roman Empire was one of the greatest states the world had seen. It covered about 3.5 million square miles and had a population, like that of Han China, estimated at more than 50 million.” (Spielvogel & Duiker, 2013)Rome was also heavily divided by class and gender but was able to construct many advanced systems and cultivate the land similar to the Aztecs. Like many successful and powerful cultures, both Romans and Aztecs shared an interest in art and technology as well as military forces.

References

Spielvogel, J. J., & Duiker, W. J. (2013). The Essential World History. Cengage Learning.

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