How did the Inca Empire's political structure differ from that of the Maya?

The Inca Empire had a centralised, hierarchical political structure, while the Maya had a decentralised system of city-states.

The Inca Empire, which spanned from the 13th to the 16th century, was a highly centralised and hierarchical society. At the top of this hierarchy was the Sapa Inca, the emperor, who was considered a divine ruler. The empire was divided into four provinces, each governed by a provincial governor who reported directly to the Sapa Inca. This centralised system allowed the Inca to maintain tight control over their vast empire, which stretched across much of western South America.

In contrast, the Maya, who thrived from around 2000 BC to the 16th century AD, had a decentralised political structure. Rather than a single, unified empire, the Maya consisted of a network of independent city-states, each with its own ruler. These city-states often formed shifting alliances and rivalries with each other, leading to a complex and fluid political landscape.

The Inca's centralised system allowed for efficient administration and resource distribution. They developed an extensive road network for communication and transportation, and implemented a labour tax system known as mit'a, which required citizens to contribute labour to public works projects. This system enabled the Inca to undertake large-scale projects such as the construction of cities and fortresses.

On the other hand, the Maya's decentralised system allowed for a great deal of cultural and political diversity. Each city-state had its own unique traditions, styles of architecture, and systems of governance. However, this decentralisation also made the Maya more vulnerable to internal conflict and fragmentation.

In summary, the Inca Empire's political structure was characterised by centralisation and hierarchy, with a single, divine ruler at the top. This allowed for efficient administration and control over a vast territory. The Maya, in contrast, had a decentralised system of independent city-states, which allowed for cultural diversity but also led to instability and conflict.