Inca vs. Aztec vs. Maya: Inca, Aztec, and Maya are three old civilizations famous in history. All three civilizations had great achievements in their time. But the difference between Maya and Aztecs and Incas is that the Incas arose in the 12th century and built an empire in the mountain range of South America. Aztecs showed up in Mesoamerica at the beginning of the 13th century. And Maya established the Yucatan Peninsula in Central America. All three of these had their religions and political views.