Which aspect of society was found to be common in both communities examined by archaeologists?

The assertion that social inequality existed in both communities highlights a critical aspect of many historical societies. Archaeological findings often reveal that even in early civilizations, there was typically a hierarchical structure where resources, power, and privilege were unevenly distributed among different social classes. This inequality could manifest in various forms, such as different grave goods in burials, disparities in housing sizes, or access to resources and services.

Such findings are common in archaeological studies, reflecting patterns of social stratification. This is important for understanding how societies operated, as social hierarchy often influenced not only the political organization but also the cultural and economic practices within those communities. In contrast, the other options suggest conditions that are less commonly found in historical analysis. Widespread literacy, for instance, was usually concentrated among elite or specific social groups, not universal across all classes. Similarly, the equal distribution of wealth and the absence of centralized religion are not typical characteristics seen universally in any ancient civilization, as most exhibited distinct wealth disparities and various forms of religious structures to maintain social cohesion and authority.