- Time period: The Aztec civilization flourished during the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries CE, while the Olmec civilization thrived much earlier, from about 1200 to 400 BCE. The Aztecs were therefore a more recent civilization and were encountered by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century, leading to extensive documentation of their culture.
- Geographical location: The Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan, was located in the Valley of Mexico, a densely populated region that became the center of Spanish colonial rule in the Americas. The Olmec civilization, on the other hand, was based in the tropical lowlands of southern Mexico and Guatemala, a region that was less accessible and less densely populated, leading to less documentation.
- Written records: The Aztecs had a sophisticated system of writing, using a combination of logographic and syllabic symbols, which allowed them to record their history, religious beliefs, and administrative matters. In contrast, the Olmecs did not have a fully developed writing system, relying instead on pictorial representations and symbols, making it more challenging for researchers to decipher their cultural practices and history.
- Preservation of artifacts: The Spanish conquistadors were fascinated by Aztec culture and collected numerous artifacts, including sculptures, codices, and other objects, which were preserved in European museums and collections. This contributed to the extensive knowledge about Aztec culture and art. In comparison, fewer Olmec artifacts have been preserved, as the Olmec civilization declined several centuries before the Spanish arrival in the Americas.
- Archaeological research: Due to the factors mentioned above, archaeological research on the Aztecs began earlier and has been more extensive compared to research on the Olmecs. This has led to a more comprehensive understanding of Aztec society, including their urban planning, architecture, political systems, and religious practices.
Therefore, a combination of historical circumstances, written records, preserved artifacts, and archaeological research has contributed to the greater knowledge and understanding of the Aztec civilization compared to the Olmec civilization.