Mesoamerica: Mesoamerica is generally considered to have been a corporate polity, with a centralized government and a hierarchical social structure. Archaeological evidence suggests that the ruling class was able to maintain control over the population through a combination of religious and political authority. This is evidenced by the presence of large ceremonial centers, such as Teotihuacan, which were used to display the power of the ruling class. Additionally, the presence of large-scale public works projects, such as the construction of roads and irrigation systems, suggests that the ruling class had the ability to mobilize large numbers of people for labor.
Inca: The Inca Empire was also a corporate polity, with a centralized government and a hierarchical social structure. Archaeological evidence suggests that the ruling class was able to maintain control over the population through a combination of religious and political authority. This is evidenced by the presence of large ceremonial centers, such as Machu Picchu, which were used to display the power of the ruling class. Additionally, the presence of large-scale public works projects, such as the construction of roads and irrigation systems, suggests that the ruling class had the ability to mobilize large numbers of people for labor.
Indus Valley: The Indus Valley civilization is generally considered to have been a network polity, with a decentralized government and a more egalitarian social structure. Archaeological evidence suggests that the ruling class was unable to maintain control over the population through a combination of religious and political authority. This is evidenced by the lack of large ceremonial centers, suggesting that the ruling class did not have the ability to display its power. Additionally, the lack of large-scale public works projects suggests that the ruling class was unable to mobilize large numbers of people for labor.
Based on Richard Blanton’s model of political organization in early states (i.e., the continuum from corporate to network forms of organization), compare Mesoamerica, the Inca, and the Indus Valley. Be sure to use archaeological evidence to make the case for where each of these early states lies on the continuum from corporate to network polities.
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