The Aztec and Inca Empires shared some similarities in their origins, economies, and methods of governance, but also had some key differences. Both empires arose from earlier civilizations and were based around managing resources and people through intensive agriculture. However, the Inca Empire more directly administered conquered territories through governors and infrastructure projects, while the Aztec Empire allowed more local autonomy as long as tribute was paid. Rulers in both empires had absolute divine power, but the Inca ruler's reign was tied to being the sun god's representative on earth.