Which of the following characteristics describes the Zapotec civilization?

The Zapotec civilization is particularly noted for its development of early hieroglyphic writing, which is a crucial aspect of its cultural and historical identity. This form of writing was used for various purposes, including religious texts, administrative records, and marking important events. The presence of a written language signifies a level of complexity in social organization, governance, and communication that is characteristic of advanced civilizations.

The Zapotecs, who flourished in what is now Oaxaca, Mexico, utilized their writing system to convey their beliefs and to document their history, contributing to our understanding of Mesoamerican cultures. This ability to record language in a systematic way reflects their sophisticated societal structures and underscores their contributions to art, architecture, and ritual practices.

In contrast, the other characteristics mentioned do not apply to the Zapotec civilization. For instance, advanced shipbuilding was not central to their culture, as they were primarily a land-based civilization. Likewise, the Zapotecs were not notably recognized for engagement in the spice trade as this was more representative of societies located in specific trade-focused regions. Lastly, while metallurgy was developed by various civilizations in Mesoamerica, the Zapotecs were not distinguished for being the first to synthesize metals, which is a hallmark of other ancient