What are the main differences between the Mayans and the Aztecs?

Question

My friend and I were talking about our ancestors and he said he was Aztec. He said the Aztec cut off peoples heads for a sacrifice to the Gods. I thought the Mayans did that. What are some differences between The Mayans and Aztecs?

Answer 1

The Aztecs were warriors, the Mayans were more civilized

Answer 2

Some differences between the Mexica (Aztec) and Maya include: they had two different languages, they lived in different areas, had different forms of socio-political organisation, and their civilisations peaked at different times. You can learn more about these cultures from the websites listed below.

Answer 3

I have  Ph.D. in archaeology. The Aztecs and the Maya were equally civilized. They both had written languages, pyramids, and cities. Both were warriors and both practiced human sacrifice. Both grew corn and engaged in long-distance trade. They even worshiped the same gods, even though some of them had different names. I can give concrete examples for each culture, if pressed to.

There are a few major differences. They spoke different languages. The Maya lived in the jungles of southern Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize. The Aztec lived in the desert-like valley of central Mexico. Ancient Mayan Civilization was gone more or less by about 1000 AD. The Aztec didn't rise to prominence until about 1100 to 1200 AD.

It is important to realize that neither the Aztec nor the Maya are extinct today. Both populations have survived into the 21st century.

Answer 4

The Aztecs were a very war-like and violent culture because while the Aztecs were dominant in their area, all the other local tribes only stayed down for fear of Aztecs conquering them and when the Aztecs conquered a people any survivors were slaves or used as sacrifices to their gods.

The Mayans had a much more advanced society. Mayans learned more about agriculture and technology than about war and weaponry. (One of the reasons they were easily defeated when Spanish came)