Differences Between the Maya and the Aztecs

Common Misconceptions

• Media often confuses pre-Hispanic cultures, portraying them as the same.
• Maya and Aztec cultures are often mistaken for one another.

Key Differences

Location

• Maya:
  • Settled in South East Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador.
• Aztec (Mexicas):
  • Empire extended from the Gulf of Mexico to Central Mexico.
  • Overlapping zones existed between both cultures.

Timeline

• Maya:
  • First cities founded around 750 BC.
  • Classical period ended around 950 AD.
• Aztec (Mexicas):
  • Empire founded in the 14th century.
  • Reached its height around 1300 AD.
  • Collapsed in 1521 with Spanish arrival.

Language and Culture

• Maya:
  • Language related to Central and South America.
  • Gods: Chaac (rain), Kukulcan (feathered serpent).
• Aztec (Mexicas):
  • Language: Nahuatl.
  • Gods: Tlaloc (equivalent of Chaac), Quetzalcoatl (equivalent of Kukulcan), Huitzilopochtli (god of war).

Societal Structure

• Maya:
  • City-states ruled by priests.
  • Advanced writing system with ideograms and phonograms.
  • Concept of zero for complex calculations.
  • Built taller pyramids, domes, and arches.
• Aztec (Mexicas):
  • Centralized around Tenochtitlan.
  • Huey Tlatoani demanded tributes.
  • Developed agricultural technology like chinampas.
  • Implemented sophisticated water systems.

Historical Impact

• Maya:
  • Not a consolidated empire, resisted Spanish conquest longer.
  • Notable rebellion by Jacinto Canek in 1761.
• Aztec (Mexicas):
  • Quickly conquered by Spaniards.
  • Empire was at its peak upon Spanish arrival.

Modern Legacy

• Maya:
  • Descendants include Lacandons, Zoques, Tzotzils, Tzeltals.
  • Continues cultural and linguistic presence.
• Aztec (Mexicas):
  • Nahua villages in central Mexico.
  • Nahuatl influences in Spanish language (e.g., coyote, tomate, chocolate).

Conclusion

• Maya: Ancient civilization focused on mathematics and astronomy.
• Aztec (Mexicas): Warrior people dominating before European arrival.
• Both cultures are still alive in their heritage and people.

Illustrations by Ruy Fernando Estrada. Support on Patreon and subscribe.