Difference Between Mayan and Aztec

The conquering Spaniards encountered ancient American civilizations like the Aztecs and Mayans when they first set foot on that continent. These two civilizations have been used interchangeably at times and do have some similarities between them. However, they both belong to different periods and have some considerable differences from each other. 

Mayan vs Aztec 

The main difference between Mayan and Aztec is that the Mayan civilization came into existence before the Aztec civilization. The people of the Mayan civilization covered vast territories in North Central America and Southern Mexico from as early as 2600 BC. The people of the Aztec civilization, on the other hand, covered Central Mexico and inhabited there from 14th to 16th century. Hence, by the time the Aztec civilization came into existence, the Mayan civilization had already disappeared.   

The Mayan Civilization is a Mesoamerican civilization covering vast territories in North Central America and southern Mexico. These people came into existence as early as 2600 BC. The Mayan civilization dates back to the preclassical period. This civilization started spreading from Southern Mexico and continued throughout Guatemala, Belize, Western Honduran, and Northern El Salvador. Mayans were quite interested in the study of astronomy and developed a very scientific calendar comparable to the modern calendar. Southern Mayan civilization started to decline during the 8th and 9th centuries, and the Northern Mayan cities declined after the Spanish conquest.  

The Aztec civilization covered Central Mexico and inhabited it there from the 14th to 16th century. They speak the Nahuatl language and belong to the Pre-Columbian era. The civilization began as a result of the alliance between Tenochtitlan, Texcoco, and Tlacopan. This alliance happened to defeat Azcapotzalco. The Aztec civilization people believed in human sacrifice and were extremely proud and warlike. They waged war. The Aztec civilization started declining around 1521, after the arrival of the Spanish in Tenochtitlan. 

Comparison Table Between Mayan and Aztec 

What is Mayan? 

The Mayan Civilization is a Mesoamerican civilization covering vast territories in North Central America and southern Mexico. These people came into existence as early as 2600 BC. The Mayan civilization dates back to the preclassical period.  

This civilization started spreading from Southern Mexico and continued throughout Guatemala, Belize, Western Honduran, and Northern El Salvador. Mayan civilization had a fully developed written language, and they spoke in several languages like- Yucatec Maya, Sacapultec, Tojolabal, and many more.  

Mayans were quite interested in the study of astronomy and developed a very scientific calendar comparable to the modern calendar. They were less violent compared to the Aztec civilization. Southern Mayan civilization started to decline during the 8th and 9th centuries, and the Northern Mayan cities declined after the Spanish conquest. 

What is Aztec? 

The Aztec civilization covered Central Mexico and inhabited it there from the 14th to 16th century. They speak the Nahuatl language and belong to the Pre-Columbian era. The civilization began as a result of the alliance between Tenochtitlan, Texcoco, and Tlacopan. This alliance happened to defeat Azcapotzalco.  

The Aztec civilization people believed in human sacrifice and were extremely proud and warlike. They waged war. This civilization was much more violent compared to the Mayan civilization.  

The Mayan civilization came into existence before the Aztec civilization. Hence, by the time the Aztec civilization came into existence, the Mayan civilization had already disappeared. The Aztec civilization started declining around 1521, after the arrival of the Spanish in Tenochtitlan. 

Main Differences Between Mayan and Aztec 

Conclusion 

The conquering Spaniards encountered ancient American civilizations like the Aztecs and Mayans when they first set foot on that continent. These two civilizations have been used interchangeably at times and do have some similarities between them. However, they both belong to different periods and have some considerable differences from each other. 

The Mayan Civilization is a Mesoamerican civilization covering vast territories in North Central America and southern Mexico. These people came into existence as early as 2600 BC. The Mayan civilization dates back to the preclassical period. Mayan civilization had a fully developed written language, and they spoke in several languages. Southern Mayan civilization started to decline during the 8th and 9th centuries, and the Northern Mayan cities declined after the Spanish conquest. 

The Aztec civilization covered Central Mexico and inhabited it there from the 14th to 16th century. They speak the Nahuatl language and belong to the Pre-Columbian era. The civilization began as a result of the alliance between Tenochtitlan, Texcoco, and Tlacopan. This alliance happened to defeat Azcapotzalco. The Aztec civilization started declining around 1521, after the arrival of the Spanish in Tenochtitlan. 

The main difference between Mayan and Aztec is that the Mayan civilization came into existence before the Aztec civilization. By the time the Aztec civilization came into existence, the Mayan civilization had already disappeared. 

References 

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