Aztecs vs. Mayans: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on October 27, 2023
"Aztecs" refers to a Mesoamerican civilization in central Mexico, known for empire-building and human sacrifice, while "Mayans" describes a people in southern Mexico and Central America, noted for advanced writing, astronomy, and city-states.
Key Differences
"Aztecs" dominated central Mexico, building an empire based on military conquest and tributary states, while the "Mayans," independent city-states, thrived in the Yucatán Peninsula, Guatemala, and Belize, renowned for their sophisticated calendar and hieroglyphic writing.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2023
"Aztecs" practiced human sacrifice as part of their religious rituals, a stark contrast to the "Mayans," whose religious practices, while complex, did not emphasize human sacrifice on the same scale.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2023
The "Aztecs" ruled their empire from the city of Tenochtitlán, known for its complex social and political organization; the "Mayans," however, didn't form a single unified empire, but rather a network of powerful city-states, each with its distinct ruler.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2023
"Aztecs" used a pictographic writing system, Nahuatl, not fully deciphered today; "Mayans" developed a complex writing system using hieroglyphs, recording detailed histories, astronomical observations, and religious texts.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 27, 2023
"Aztecs" met their decline with the Spanish conquest in the early 16th century; "Mayans" experienced a classical period collapse but continued to thrive in post-classical times until Spanish colonization.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Decline
Spanish conquest (16th century)
Classical collapse, then Spanish colonization
Janet White
Oct 27, 2023
Notable Practices
Human sacrifice, empire-building
Advanced writing, astronomy
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2023
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Aztecs and Mayans Definitions
Aztecs
"Aztecs were a Mesoamerican culture in Mexico."
The Aztecs were known for their intricate religious ceremonies.
Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Mayans
"Mayans had a sophisticated hieroglyphic writing system."
The Mayans recorded their history and knowledge in codices.
Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Aztecs
"Aztecs had a powerful military tradition."
The Aztecs conquered various neighboring peoples.
Janet White
Oct 19, 2023
Mayans
"Mayans were an ancient civilization in Mesoamerica."
The Mayans created a detailed calendar system.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023
Aztecs
"Aztecs' capital was Tenochtitlán."
The Aztecs' floating gardens of Tenochtitlán were an agricultural innovation.
Harlon Moss
Oct 19, 2023
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Mayans
"Mayans' civilization declined before European colonization."
The Mayans' classical era ended, but their descendants persist today.
Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Aztecs
"Aztecs fell to Spanish conquerors in the 16th century."
The Aztecs were defeated by Hernán Cortés' forces.
Harlon Moss
Oct 19, 2023
Mayans
"Mayans lived in city-states, not a unified empire."
Each Mayan city was ruled by a distinct sovereign.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 19, 2023
Aztecs
"Aztecs were known for their massive human sacrifices."
Aztecs performed sacrifices to appease their gods.
Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Mayans
"Mayans were advanced in astronomy and mathematics."
The Mayans made accurate astronomical observations.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 19, 2023
Aztecs
A member of a people of central Mexico whose civilization was at its height at the time of the Spanish conquest in the early 16th century.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2023
Mayans
A linguistic stock of Central America that includes Quiché and Yucatec.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2023
Mayans
Of or relating to the Maya, their culture, or the Mayan linguistic stock.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2023
FAQs
Who were the "Aztecs"?
The Aztecs were a Mesoamerican people who built a vast empire in central Mexico.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2023
Did the "Aztecs" and "Mayans" coexist?
Their classical periods didn't overlap; the Aztecs rose after the Mayans' classical era decline.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2023
Where did the "Aztecs" live?
The Aztecs lived in central Mexico, with their capital at Tenochtitlán.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2023
Who were the "Mayans"?
The Mayans were an ancient civilization known for their art, architecture, mathematics, calendar, and astronomical system.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2023
Were the "Aztecs" known for human sacrifices?
Yes, they regularly performed human sacrifices as religious rituals.
Sara Rehman
Oct 27, 2023
Did the "Mayans" perform human sacrifices?
Yes, but not on the scale practiced by the Aztecs.
Harlon Moss
Oct 27, 2023
Where did the "Mayans" live?
The Mayans occupied the Yucatán Peninsula, Guatemala, Belize, and parts of Honduras and El Salvador.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2023
What caused the "Mayans" classical era to end?
It's unclear, but factors like famine, war, and political upheaval likely played parts.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2023
What ended the "Aztecs" civilization?
The Spanish conquest led by Hernán Cortés.
Harlon Moss
Oct 27, 2023
Are the "Aztecs" and "Mayans" still around today?
Their descendants are, preserving many cultural practices.
Janet White
Oct 27, 2023
Were the "Aztecs" and "Mayans" advanced in astronomy?
The Mayans were, with less evidence of this for the Aztecs.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2023
What are some achievements of the "Aztecs"?
They built monumental architecture and were skilled warriors and administrators.
Janet White
Oct 27, 2023
Did the "Aztecs" have a calendar?
Yes, two: a 365-day agricultural calendar and a 260-day sacred calendar.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2023
What are some achievements of the "Mayans"?
They excelled in art, architecture, mathematics, astronomy, and writing.
Harlon Moss
Oct 27, 2023
Did the "Mayans" have a calendar?
Yes, they had a complex calendar system, including the 365-day Haab' and the 260-day Tzolk'in.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2023
What's the most significant difference between the "Aztecs" and "Mayans"?
The Aztecs were an empire-focused, militaristic society; the Mayans, known for intellectual achievements, were organized in city-states.
Harlon Moss
Oct 27, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
