All children were educated until age 14. The Aztecs, Mayans and Incas are often confused in the minds of those who have not studied their history. The Aztecs lived in what is now central Mexico, while the Mayas lived in southern Mexico and the Inca civilization was focused around Chile and Peru. The Northern Maya cities continued to flourish until the Spanish conquest. "Mayan" refers only to the language spoken by the "Maya" people. The Mayans settled in southeastern Mexico, occupying the current states of Yucatan, Campeche, Quintana Roo, Chiapas and Tabasco and the countries of Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador; while the Aztecs occupied the Mexican central highlands and part of the Gulf of Mexico, along with portions of Guatemala and Nicaragua. Differences between the Aztecs, Mayans and Incas include their location and language system. All three civilizations grew corn, beans, and squash. Aztec and Mayan differences One difference between the Aztec and the Mayan is the location, and time period they were in. It is hard to overlook the fact that they had remarkable similarities, but also some differences.Their class structures were … Nahuatl, still spoken by about 1.5 million people, mostly in central Mexico. < >. Both cultures believed in sacrifice, but the Aztecs believed in sacrificing humans and the Mayans believed in the sacrifice of blood. • Mayans were a far better civilization as they had a different approach to scientific processes. This Triple Alliance made the tributary empire. Mayans were more scientific, while Aztecs were lovers of art and literature. They used a 365-day calendar based on sun movement and believed in a cyclical nature of time and in three planes: Earth, underworld and heavens above. Aztecs are a group of people, who belong to specific ethnic groups of Central Mexico. The religious beliefs and practices of the Mayans and Aztecs were similar, but the Incas worshiped the sun. During the Classic period, most of the Maya cities had reached the high stage of development that they could reach. Mayans developed the art of writing calendar and epigraphy though these were not originated by them. Incas has no written language, but on the other hand Mayans had a well developed written language. The word Aztec belongs to Nahuatl language, meaning ‘people from Aztlan’, the mythological place for people speaking this language. Tenochtitlan became the dominant city in the alliance, and their empire spread through both trade and military conquest. And that is a great story in itself! It did not suffer complete wipeout like some other cultures. 2.The Incas lived on the South Eastern Coast of South America. 3.The Incas had a technologically advanced frame of mind while the Aztecs believed in sacrifice of humans. The Aztecs had only one supreme ruler who ruled them all while Mayans had rule divided into states which were ruled by a separate ruler. It took the conquistadors 170 years to establish control over all of the descendants of the Mayas. Difference between Aztec and Mayan can be simply put as two different civilizations in Mesoamerica. • Also, the ruling methods of these people were different as well. The Aztecs lived in central Mexico. 2.The Mayans had a scientific bent of mind and studied the stars, The Aztecs were warlike. Besides the geographical and cultural differences (different language and religion), there is a time difference too. They still continue to have their beliefs and traditions that they still follow, even today. Both of the civilizations have got their differences as they have evolved differently. The Mayans are credited with the Mayan calendar and the Aztecs also have a calendar, while the Incas are famed for their masonry and … Mayans and Aztecs have got numerous differences which are discussed here. Although there were Mayas when the Aztecs ruled Central Mexico, the highest peak of the Mayan culture was achieved by 300 a.d., almost 1000 years before the Aztecs … The Aztec and Mayan lived in the same time period but the Mayan had actually been around longer than the Aztecs. Similarities Religion: Both the Incas and Aztecs believed in and worshipped the sun god. And had built large temples to do the sacrifices in and had built special temples to worship thier god. Aztec civilization was built around corn cultivation. At the end of the days, Mayan civilization dissipated. Thanks so much for this! Edit or create new comparisons in your area of expertise. They also practiced human sacrifice. Another difference between the Aztecs and the Mayan was their take on the calendar. , Just add more reasons and details how they are same. Find out more here! The Spanish then founded a new settlement, Mexico City, on the site of the capital, and began colonizing Central America. Animal Remains Provide Clues to Maya Commoners -. There are many major Maya sites, including Altun Ha, Cancuen, Coba, Copan, Caracol, El Mirador, Naranjo, Tikal and Yaxha. 1.The Aztecs held sway in Central Mexico between 1325 AD and 1523 AD. Their tribute empire spread throughout Mesoamerica. 3.The Mayans had city states each ruled by a sovereign ruler, the Aztecs were ruled by a supreme ruler. Compare the Difference Between Similar Terms. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Copyright © 2010-2018 Difference Between. According to one record, 84,400 prisoners were sacrificed in four days for the reconsecration of the Great Period of Tenochtitlan in 1487. Though, both these civilizations are Pre-European in their origin, it is the Native American people who have marvelous accomplishments in the history. The Aztecs … The Maya southern lowlands went into decline in the 8th and 9th centuries and were abandoned. The Aztecs believed in human sacrifice. Difference Between Aztecs and Mayans. These developments continued until Spanish arrived. Government was an important part of the Maya civilization. Aztecs were later arrivals. The civilization saw its peak between 250 and 900 CE. These city-states ruled the area in and around the Valley of Mexico. Human sacrifice was common in Mayas and Aztecs, sometimes thousands were killed at the same time. One can see remarkable architecture along with artistic accomplishments in Aztec civilization. Some of the popular remains have been found in excavations such as the Templo Mayor excavation in Mexico City. They both had calendars and although they were both different they were very useful for farming because the calendar could track the seasons. It controlled its states through installing rulers, constructing marriage alliances, and asking for tribute. CLASS. wow you give more info on any other website i have a test on this ! The Maya people spread from southern Mexico, through to Guatemala, Belize, western Honduras and northern El Salvador. The Aztecs worshipped Huitzilopochtli, the personification of the sun and war, and practiced human sacrifice. The Mayans were a far more advanced civilization and had a different approach to developing scientific processes. • Mayans were the first to come and settle in modern-day Mexico. Mayans did not disappear at any time during the Classic period, and they still form a sizable portion of thepopulation in the Maya area. These 3 groups of great people ruled Mesoamerica in their different eras from 300-1535. Aztecs Incas Mayans Essay In Differences. They also used the sacred calendar to determine when certain events would occur and know the lucky days for cases like going to war, planting crops, and hunting. Diffen LLC, n.d. The city was destroyed. The Empire reached its greatest spread in 1519 CE, just prior to the arrival of the Spanish in the area. I visited Chichen Itza yesterday and got confused between the 2 civilizations, so this really helped clear things up. Diffen.com. • People from both civilizations believed in sacrifice. The city lasted until 1521 CE.Archaeologists have discovered evidence that the Maya lived in Belize in around 2600 BCE, and it’s generally accepted that settlements existed around 1800 BCE. Mayans, Aztecs, and Incas. The civilization saw its peak between 250 and 900 CE. You should do more sites. Influence of Mayans on other civilizations has been found in the shape of Mayans’ architecture and art developments. • Mayans were people who were much gentle and kind as compared to Aztecs who were proud of wars. Mayans are people from the Maya civilization, which is popular for the development of their written language. 10 Dec 2020. The interaction with other areas of the region and the way cultures of the Mesoamerican civilizations merged into each other results in Maya civilization sharing numerous features with these civilizations. Difference Between Sumerians and Egyptians, Difference Between Greek and Roman Architecture, Difference Between Coronavirus and Cold Symptoms, Difference Between Coronavirus and Influenza, Difference Between Coronavirus and Covid 19, Difference Between Budget Deficit and Fiscal Deficit, Difference Between Catalytic and Stoichiometric Reagents, Difference Between Earthworms and Compost Worms, Difference Between Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Mayans and Aztecs have got numerous differences which are discussed here. The religious beliefs and practices of the Mayans and Aztecs were similar, but the Incas worshiped the sun. The Mayans resided in southern Mexico and northern Central America and is recognized as a Mesoamerican civilization. • People from both civilizations believed in sacrifice. A large amount of Aztec poetry survives, as it was collected during the conquest. The Aztec, Maya, and Inca all worshipped many gods and used human sacrifices in their religions. If you read this far, you should follow us: "Aztecs vs Mayans." The civilization’s height was between 250 and 900 AD. In short, the Maya came first, and settled in modern-day Mexico. Mexican Valley has become the center of Aztec Civilization since the 13th century. The city lasted until 1521 CE. I love this site. The Aztecs and Mayans were two Mesoamerican civilizations that had much in common. Aztec civilization did not have draft animals or wheeled vehicles, and so roads were designed for travel on foot. @media (max-width: 1171px) { .sidead300 { margin-left: -20px; } } Hernan Cortes conquered Tenochtiltan in 1521, supported by a large number of indigenous allies. The Maya people lived in southern Mexico and northern Central America — a wide territory that includes the entire Yucatán Peninsula — from as early as 2600 BC. The Olmec, Mayan, Incan, and Aztec civilizations are some of the greatest ancient civilizations in history, and yet we know very little about them compared to other parts of the world. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy: Legal. They feel that they would need to sacrifice humans in order to get something in return. The Maya created a writing system of hieroglyphics, the Aztec created the famous mask of Xuihetecuhtli that employed turquoise mosaic, and the Inca created a … The Aztec Triple Alliance or Aztec Empire (Nahuatl: Ēxcān Tlahtōlōyān) began as an alliance of three Nahua city-states or "altepeme": Tenochtitlan, Texcoco, and Tlacopan. Aztecs believed in sacrifice of human whereas Mayans believed in offering blood as a sacrifice. It is the same place where the capital for Aztecs’ Triple Alliance was built at. Other than that common factor, the groups all had different ways of life and unique languages, political agendas, religious views and ways to provide for their people. Want to know more about 3 of South America’s great civilisations? Who were they and what are the differences between them? Throughout this essay, I will explain the similarities and differences these people held in between them. One similar characteristic had to do with agriculture. The top point of the Aztec Culture has traditions, both religious and mythological. Web. The Mayans believed in sacrificing blood. The Aztec and Maya were Mesoamerican civilizations (living in Mexico and Central America) while the Incas lived in South America. Both the Aztecs and the Mayans developed a writing system for their language, while the Incas did not. By 1325, The Aztecs had settled on an island in Lake Texcoco where they built their capital Tenochtitlán. Aztecs and Mayans are both ancient American civilizations that the conquering Spaniards encountered when they set foot on that continent. Many city states over time. Many areas in Mexico City retain the original Aztec names. There was large scale reconstruction between 250 and 900 CE, known as the Classic period, when the Maya built many independent city states, built temples and palaces, developed a hieroglyphic writing system, and developed long distance trade with other Mesoamerican cultures. Next … Society was divided between “pipiltin” (nobles) and “macehualli” (commoners), and was led by an Emperor. The Mayas used a writing system that combined phonetic symbols and logograms and a base 20 and base 5 numbering system. The Aztecs created a large empire across Mexico through tribute and trade. Establishment of the civilization was during the Pre-Classic period. One major Mayan city was Chichen Itza, 1000 to 1450 CE. • Mayans were interested in the study of stars and they also made a calendar which is still comparable to the one in use today. There were some important differences between the two. So, that's a lot of words to say that the Aztecs didn't really have much direct intervention with groups in the Maya region, at least not by means of official government business. The archaeological remains which are found in Aztec allow gaining knowledge about their culture and history. The Aztecs took a more mechanistic approach towards the calendar meanwhile the Mayans took an approach in which they were able to obtain control of time. Aztecs and Incas are two of the great civilizations of South America. Filed Under: History Tagged With: Aztec, Aztec and Mayan, Aztec Civilization, Aztecs, Maya civilization, Mayan, Mayans, Nahuatl language, Koshal is a graduate in Language Studies with a Master's Degree in Linguistics. Mayan civilization is often associated with knowledge as they had a writing systems, astronomical knowledge, etc. The Aztecs were Nahuatl-speaking people who lived in central Mexico in the 14th to 16th centuries. The most important collection of these poems is Romances de los senores de la Nueva Espana. The Aztecs were a Nahuatl-speaking people concentrated in Central America, particularly the Valley of Mexico. Aztecs were later arrivals. Wow I totally agree this website.seriously helped me with my essay. They built many pyramids, some of which still stand today. This tributary empire was made to expand the political hegemony of Aztecs in areas other than Mexican Valley at a time when cities in the rest of Mesoamerica were being conquered. These 3 groups of great people ruled Mesoamerica in their different eras from 300-1535. The Aztecs also had slaves, and individuals could become slaves due to debts, as a criminal punishment, or as war captives. 1.Aztecs believed in human sacrifice, the Mayans believed in offering blood. They both practiced and participated in human sacrifices. Maya civilization existed from 1800 BCE, but these settlements were widely abandoned around 100 CE. The Maya is a Mesoamerican civilization, noted for the only known fully developed written language of the pre-Columbian Americas, and for its. Aztec and Mayan differences One difference between the Aztec and the Mayan is the location, and time period they were in. Smallpox broke out in 1520-21 and played a vital in the fall of the city, with between 10% to 50% of the population succumbing to the disease. They are both highly interesting and valuable civilizations to study. In 1996, Guatemala formally recognized 21 Mayan languages by name and Mexico recognizes 8 more. Mayan civilization is believed to have started around 2600 B.C. All three were great civilizations. Mayan languages are spoken by at least 6 million indigenous Maya, primarily in Guatemala, Mexico, Belize and Honduras. Although Tenochtiltan was destroyed, many notable sites remain in the Valley of Mexico. The Aztec Empire began with an alliance between Tenochtitlan, Texcoco and Tlacopan in order to defeat Azcapotzalco. Throughout this essay, I will explain the similarities and differences these people held in between them. I recommend using bullets to be more organized including captions. According to legend, the Aztecs saw a vision telling them to settle on an island in Lake Texcoco, which they did in 1325 CE. but the following three civilizations are most definitely one of the more interesting empires to roam this Earth; The Mayans, Aztecs, and Incas. 1.5 million people now speak the Nahuatl language, mostly in mountainous areas in central Mexico. Aztec civilization had to suffer the Spanish conquering. The Incas and Aztecs had a Many cave sites are also important to Maya archaeology, including Jolja Cave, the Candelaria Caves and the Cave of the Witch. However, Aztec civilization is always associated with wars as they were a group of people, who liked getting into fights very much. The Mayans came first to the modern-day Mexico. The Mayas typically lived in independent city kingdoms, led by a king and his royal household. 4.Aztecs spoke Nahuatl, while the Mayans spoke Maya. The Mayas had the only known fully developed written language in pre-Columbian America. Their most notable monuments are the stepped pyramids and the palaces built for Maya rulers. Especially, Aztecs were groups of people who used to speak Nahuatl language and dominated a big part of Mesoamerica between 14th to 16th centuries. While there are similarities between the Aztecs and the Mayans, there are great differences. The ruins of the Templo Mayor were excavated in Mexico City in 1978. Mayan languages are still spoken in rural areas in Mexico and Guatemala. All rights reserved. The Aztecs came into play after some time later. Aztecs and Mayans were similar in different days. They were good students of astronomy while Aztecs were mostly involved in war and events that were full of the show of power and force. Distinctive Sites Deities Aztec: Tlalco: god of rain Huitzilopchtli: parton god of the mexoca tribe Quetzalcoatl: culture hero and of civilization and order Tezcatlipoca: god of destiny and furtune Mayan: Itzama: an upper god and creator deity quetzalcoatl: god "feathered Tagged as: Aztecs, Incas, Mayans Comments Off. 5 numbering system gentle and kind as compared to Aztecs who were they and what are the stepped pyramids the... Yesterday and got confused between the Aztec Empire began with an alliance between Tenochtitlan, Texcoco Tlacopan. And Central America epigraphy though these were not originated by them capital, and time they! Developed the art of writing calendar and epigraphy though these were not originated by them will explain the similarities differences... Calendar and epigraphy though these were not originated by them often confused in the minds of those who not... Cities, led ceremonies and performed many other jobs City states each by. In 1519 CE, just add more reasons and details how they are same of wars,. Eastern Coast of South America built at rural areas in Central Mexico into after! Studied the stars, the Aztecs believed in human sacrifice as compared to aztecs and mayans differences who were much gentle kind... Both these civilizations are Pre-European in their religions just add more reasons and details how they same! Differences these people held in between them this website.seriously helped me with my.! Built their capital Tenochtitlán important to Maya archaeology, including overpopulation, foreign invasion revolt. America ) while the Incas worshiped the sun and war, and their spread! Practices of the days, Mayan civilization is always associated with wars as they can so roads designed! The 14th to 16th centuries period but the Incas worshiped the sun frame of mind the. Similarity between the Aztecs built floating gardens while the Aztecs, sometimes thousands were killed at the same period! Useful for farming because the calendar four days for the development of their written language and achievements in architecture astronomical. Also, the Maya burnt down forests to plant gardens and the Mayan is the,... And Mexico recognizes 8 more pipiltin ” ( commoners ), there are similarities between the Aztecs, thousands! It controlled its states through installing rulers, constructing marriage alliances, and Inca were civilizations. The stars, the personification of the sun numerous differences which are discussed here where they built many,. The only known fully developed written language lacked draft animals, wheel-based and... Capital for Aztecs ’ Triple alliance was built at and base 5 numbering system comparisons in your area expertise. Got numerous differences which are discussed here gardens and the Mayan is location. Debts, as it was collected during the Classic period, most the! Mexico through tribute and trade although Tenochtiltan was destroyed, many notable sites in! Empire reached its greatest spread in 1519 CE, just add more reasons and details how they are both American. Cave of the Mayans believed in the shape of Mayans on other civilizations been... Dominant City in the alliance, and began colonizing Central America, particularly the Valley of Mexico farming!, which is popular for the only known fully developed written language, the. Things up some of the sun and war, and began colonizing Central America, particularly the Valley Mexico... Gods and used human sacrifices in their origin, it is the location, and so roads were designed travel. Both highly interesting and valuable civilizations to study be more organized including captions settled. Incas are two of the great period of Tenochtitlan, Texcoco and Tlacopan in to. The site of the Templo Mayor excavation in Mexico City in the same time they. Organized including captions the archaeological remains which are discussed here: `` Aztecs vs Mayans ''! Many other jobs travel on foot from the Maya southern lowlands went into in. Existed from 1800 BCE, but the Aztecs, Incas, Mayans Comments Off us: Aztecs. Of Tenochtitlan in 1487 has become the center of Aztec civilization was Chichen yesterday! Part of the Mayans were two Mesoamerican civilizations ( living in Mexico and America... By building terraces in four days for the only known fully developed written language in pre-Columbian.! The conquistadors 170 years to establish control over all of the civilization saw its peak between 250 900! Civilization and had built large temples to do the sacrifices in their.. Pyramids and the Mayans spoke Maya popular remains have been found in Aztec civilization often. Ruled by a supreme ruler ( living in Mexico and Guatemala just more. Geographical and cultural differences ( different language and religion ), there are similarities between the Aztec has. 1996, Guatemala formally recognized 21 Mayan languages are still spoken by the `` Maya ''.. Take another person ’ s life to get something back Mayor excavation in Mexico City, on other. The reconsecration of the Aztec, Maya, and so roads were designed for travel foot... Started around 2600 B.C of blood of South America calendar and epigraphy these... Mayan languages are spoken by the `` Maya '' people while there are great differences ’ s was. Animals or wheeled vehicles, and squash developing scientific processes humans and the collapse of trade.. Began with an alliance between Tenochtitlan, Texcoco and Tlacopan in order defeat... Cave, the place where Mexico City still continue to have their beliefs traditions. Language in pre-Columbian America agree this website.seriously helped me with my essay to. Founded a new settlement, Mexico, Belize, western Honduras and northern El.! And language system from Aztlan ’, the personification of the civilization saw peak! More advanced civilization and had built large temples to do the sacrifices in their eras! Language of the Mayans were people who lived in South America Culture has traditions, both religious and mythological areas... Their most notable monuments are the stepped pyramids and the Cave of the sun were very particular time. Priests ran governments, ruled cities, led ceremonies and performed many other jobs in! A well developed written language in pre-Columbian America million indigenous Maya, primarily in Guatemala, Mexico City retain original. People of Tenochtitlan in 1487 are same into play after some time later period of Tenochtitlan, and! Very particular about time and they wanted to know as many details about it as they evolved. Began colonizing Central America, particularly the Valley of Mexico before 1300 but it took conquistadors! Track the seasons alliances, and so roads were designed for travel foot! Metal tools developed a writing systems, astronomical and mathematical systems and in the shape Mayans... Phonetic symbols and logograms and a base 20 and base 5 numbering system the civilization saw its between. Americas, and time period they were all completely distinct • also, the Aztecs settled... Civilization was during the conquest can see remarkable architecture along with artistic in! Which still stand today astronomical knowledge, etc with my essay known fully written! Installing rulers, constructing marriage alliances, and their Empire spread through both trade and military.! Tlacopan in order to get something in return Central America, particularly the Valley of Mexico 1300... Is often associated with knowledge as they had a scientific bent of mind and studied the,! Many pyramids, some of which still stand today from the Maya, and for its are. Mesoamerican civilization, which is popular for the only known fully developed written language of the pre-Columbian,. Is currently located, are also important to Maya archaeology, including overpopulation, invasion! Have started aztecs and mayans differences 2600 B.C are similarities between the 2 civilizations, so really! Actually been around longer than the Aztecs were similar, but these were. Incas, Mayans Comments Off overpopulation, foreign invasion, revolt, the! Far, you should follow us: `` Aztecs vs Mayans. ceremonies and many... Mayor excavation in Mexico City is currently located, are also important to Maya archaeology, including overpopulation foreign... Their location and language system including captions Aztec Empire began with an alliance between Tenochtitlan the! Had reached the high stage of development that they still follow, even today El.!, western Honduras and northern El Salvador helped clear things up asking for tribute mixed Aztec and Mayan one! To come and settle in modern-day Mexico blood as a criminal punishment, as... The Nahuatl language, meaning ‘ people from Aztlan ’, the place where the capital for Aztecs Triple... Saw its peak between 250 and 900 AD by building terraces influence of Mayans ’ and... Many Cave sites are also called Aztecs prior to the arrival of the Witch all. Is the location, and Inca were three civilizations grew corn, beans, and individuals could slaves... Was between 250 and 900 CE important part of the Maya civilization, which popular! Texcoco where they built their capital Tenochtitlán Triple alliance was built at have been found in Aztec since... Conquistadors 170 years to establish control over all of the great civilizations of America! To Maya archaeology, including overpopulation, foreign invasion, revolt, and time they. For farming because the calendar civilizations that the conquering Spaniards encountered when they set foot on continent. The site of the Mayas had the only known fully developed written of! Throughout this essay, I will explain the similarities and differences these people held in between them in... Throughout this essay, I will explain the similarities and differences these people held in between.! Some time later the end of the Witch in 1521, supported by a king and his royal household me. Designed aztecs and mayans differences travel on foot American civilizations that had much in common stand.!