Discuss the role of polytheistic beliefs in two pre-Columbian societies.

Candidates will offer a considered and balanced review that includes a range of arguments that address the role of religious beliefs of two polytheistic pre-Columbian societies. The discussion will focus on, but not necessarily span, the period from c750 to 1500. Polytheistic beliefs in pre-Columbian America were often based on the adoration of natural phenomena and the perspective that these possessed supernatural powers. These beliefs explained the creation of the world, established codes of behaviour and included systems of reward and punishment. Political leaders were generally considered to be gods or were believed to have been appointed by the gods. Some societies practiced toleration toward the religious beliefs of the groups they conquered, while others required submission. Among some polytheistic religions, human sacrifice and cannibalism were practiced to either please the gods or to enforce submission of conquered populations.