The Cognitive Architectures of Empire: Information Management and Political Legitimization in Mesoamerica and the Andes

Pre-Columbian empires in Mesoamerica and the Andes employed sophisticated cognitive architectures to manage information, reinforce political power, and legitimize rule. These systems—ranging from Maya glyphs and Aztec codices to Inca khipus and monumental road networks like Qhapaq Ñan—were deeply embedded in ideological frameworks, shaping collective perception and maintaining imperial authority. A comparative analysis reveals both regional distinctions and universal principles linking information control to the construction of power across distinct cultural landscapes.

Revista, Z., & HISTORY, 10. (2025). The Cognitive Architectures of Empire: Information Management and Political Legitimization in Mesoamerica and the Andes. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.17763492