Week 6

To a certain extent I believe that it is important for historians to make comparisons between various empires in order to create a better understanding of different aspects of each empire. Although each empire is different in its own way, there are many similarities that are responsible for their rise and fall. However, it would be ineffective to compare them directly – it is important to take into consideration obvious differences between the societies. I believe that drawing parallels between civilizations is important in order to establish the basic religious beliefs and culture of that society.  

            For example, Conrad and Demarest use the comparison of Greco-Roman gods to Incan gods. They realize the folly in how the Spaniards and modern historians tried to forcefully “compartmentalize” Incan beliefs as well as see the benefit in comparing the basic aspects of these cultures (100). It is important to not get lost in looking for similarities. When using comparative study, historians need to be continuously conscious that drawing parallels is useful for reaching basic understandings of a society, as well as never forcing similarities that do not exist.

            I believe Conrad and Demarest are doing a comparative history because they are comparing the religious ideologies of both the Incas and Aztecs. In this instance, the Aztecs and Incas shared enough defining religious characteristics for it to be a successful method of study. Conrad and Demarest are aware of the previously stated restrictions on using comparative methods, which is evident in their use of religious ideologies as the tying factor between the two empires.