Both Aztecs and Mayans were known as Mesoamerican civilisations, and originated from Central Mexico and Columbia respectively. The Aztecs achieved both political and military dominance in the region between the 14th and 16th centuries. The Maya civilisation was known for its spectacular art, amazing architecture and sophisticated mathematical and astronomical systems. They established themselves as an empire in 1800 BC and finally went into collapse in the 8th and 9th centuries for reason which are still debated today.