Historians
utilizing comparison as a tool in study can be an effective way of examining
historical events. In comparing two civilizations, a historian can gain context
of events. They can also use comparison to establish parallels or similarities
between two societies that existed during a similar time frame. Establishing a
connection between a subject that a historian is well versed in and a subject
that is new or foreign can be useful in gaining an overall understanding.
At
the same time it is important that the historian notes the differences between
the two subjects being compared. If a historian concentrates too heavily on the
similarities of two civilizations, like the Aztecs and Romans, they may make
incorrect assumptions of one civilization or another. This is why it is
important to examine two societies that existed in a similar time period and in
close proximity geographically. The civilizations being compared must have
several similar traits. For example, historians note the parallels that existed
in Apartheid South Africa and Segregated America. There are similarities
between the two societies that existed around the same time period.
Conrad
and Demarest do use comparison as a tool to allow readers to understand the two
subjects. The Aztecs and Incas were civilizations that existed around the same
time period. Conrad and Demarest were able to create parallels between the two
empires. They showed that religious motivations were motivating factors in both
empires expansion and societal workings. In this instance, comparison is a
useful tool in explain the two cultures of the Aztec and Inca empires.
I'm glad that you took the historiography approach to this. As historians, it is our job to analyze, make comparisons, and determine the truths of the past. Like many historians, that is exactly what Conrad and Demerest did in their monograph. Especially since the Aztec and Inca empires have very limited proofs and many of the information (such as from the Florentine Codex and written histories) could be jaded and false, Historians are almost forced to look to other cultures to find possible information about the empired. By comparing different historical events/groups of people, at first allows the historian to become comfortable. Not to be cliche', but history does have a habit of repeating itself and I believe that many historians hang on to that idea and try to make other connections with past events. However, as we read in Conrad and Demerest, the Inca and Aztec empires are VERY different from the westerized thinkings that we have. Their histories deserve the right to be "their own" and not be compared to other histories.
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