1. Location
The Aztecs were located in central Mexico, while the Incas were located in the Andes Mountains of South America. The Aztecs lived in a temperate climate, while the Incas lived in a more mountainous and tropical climate.
2. Language
The Aztecs spoke Nahuatl, while the Incas spoke Quechua. Both languages are still spoken by indigenous peoples in Mexico and South America today.
3. Religion
The Aztecs were polytheistic, believing in many gods and goddesses. The Incas were also polytheistic, but they had a more centralized religious system. The Inca emperor was considered to be the divine ruler of the empire, and he was worshipped as a god.
4. Government
The Aztecs were ruled by an emperor, who was chosen by a council of nobles. The Inca Empire was also ruled by an emperor, but he was considered to be the direct descendant of the sun god. The Inca emperor had absolute power, and he was worshipped as a god.
5. Economy
The Aztecs were a highly agricultural society, and they grew a variety of crops, including corn, beans, and squash. The Incas were also an agricultural society, but they relied more on herding than the Aztecs. The Incas raised llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas for their meat, wool, and fur.
6. Architecture
The Aztecs built impressive pyramids, temples, and palaces. The Incas also built impressive structures, including Machu Picchu, which is considered to be one of the most amazing architectural feats in the world.
7. Society
The Aztecs were divided into a rigid social hierarchy, with the emperor at the top. The Incas also had a social hierarchy, but it was more flexible than the Aztec hierarchy. In the Inca Empire, social status was based on merit and achievement, rather than birth.
8. Warfare
The Aztecs were a warrior society, and they were constantly engaged in warfare with their neighbors. The Incas were also a warrior society, but they were more focused on conquest than the Aztecs. The Inca Empire expanded rapidly under the leadership of Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui, who conquered a vast territory in the Andes Mountains.
9. Decline
The Aztec Empire was conquered by the Spanish in the 16th century. The Inca Empire was also conquered by the Spanish in the 16th century, but the Incas continued to resist Spanish rule for several decades.
10. Legacy
The Aztecs and Incas left a lasting legacy in the Americas. Their art, architecture, and culture continue to influence people around the world today.