Interesting Bit of Information #2: How the Aztecs and Calusas were similar

I found a book titled A People's History of Florida 1513-1876: How Africans, Seminoles, Women, and Lower Class Whites Shaped the Sunshine State by Adam Edward Wasserman. In the book, Wasserman states, "…the Calusa were almost a mini-version of then Aztecs with their polarized social hierarchy…”

Wasserman also says, “The chief exacted tribute from local tribes much like the Aztecs.”

I have been happily surprised to find these, and other, similarities between the two nations. I think it is very interesting to see how different groups developed similarly, yet independently. I think it proves that people always have been largely the same throughout history. It also makes me wonder how there could be so many conflicts, when we are all so similar. It is quite sad, I think.

I did not expect to find similarity when I started my research for Calusa Gold, but I am glad I did. It is making the writing a bit more complicated, as I was planning on portraying the Aztecs and Calusas as quite different, and showing the Calusas in a more positive light; however, I think this complication will help the book and make the story more interesting.

Another similarity I found was in how both nations used human sacrifice in certain ceremonies, although the Aztecs seem to have used it on a much larger scale.

Please let me know what you think of this, and what else you would like me to post about the Calusas, Aztecs, and Conquistadors.