How were the mayas and the zapotecs similar?
both civilizations were ruled by an emperor.
both civilizations played a ball game with hoops.
both civilizations practiced monotheistic religions.
both civilizations existed well into the 1400s.

We can say that both played a ball game with hoops, as the other answers are incorrect. The Maya Civilization was ruled by a mediator who was there to communicate wisdom from the gods to the people and the Zapotec Civilization was divided into many city-states, not brought together by one ruler. Both had polytheistic religions, believing in many gods. They did not live well into the 1400's, however they have many descendants still alive today in Central America, who have either mixed with Hispanic and Christian culture or have stuck to their more traditional roots.