I figured this would be a FAQ but I looked on the FAQ and did not see it.
I'm interested in finding out some of the similarities in culture, expression, and general way of life between "Old World" civilizations (Greeks, Romans, Egyptian, Persian, Chinese, etc) and the Mesoamerican civilizations (Aztecs, Mayans, etc).
Thanks in advance.
In what respect? In a general sense agricultural states tend to face similar challenges because we are, after all, people and so they often come up with similar solutions. The connection between temporal, political power and divine, religious power is a fairly well known example. I'm happy to expand a bit but I would like to have a clearer idea of what you are looking for.
There are lots of parallels, from tribute-seeking styles of warfare to state organization, to the establishment of noble and priestly classes.
You might, on the other hand, be interested in the differences between American civilizations and those of Eurasia.
There's a recent book by historian Peter Watson titled The Great Divide: Nature and Human Nature in the Old World and the New, which contends that the presence of domesticated animals caused the two hemispheres to evolve in different directions.
To put it coarsely, he argues that the difference is one between shepherds and shamans.
In Eurasia, the presence of large domesticated animals permitted, among other things, the cultivation of cereals using ox-driven plows. It also permitted cultures to make religious sacrifices of animals rather than human beings.
The Americas, by contrast, were characterized by an ecstatic, shamanistic style of religion that aimed to achieve hallucinatory experiences. Watson argues that this style of religion gave it a particularly strong staying power.
I'm not altogether convinced by Watson's arguments, but if you're curious about these kind of things his book is worth a read.