The Olmecs are actually older than the Aztecs. The Olmec civilization is considered one of the earliest complex societies in Mesoamerica, flourishing from around 1200 BCE to 400 BCE. They are known for their impressive stone sculptures and significant contributions to later cultures in the region.
In contrast, the Aztec civilization rose much later, thriving between the 14th and 16th centuries CE. The Aztecs are well known for their advanced society, impressive architecture, and rich mythology. While they inherited and built upon the cultural and technological foundations laid by earlier civilizations like the Olmecs, their society developed long after the Olmec decline.
In summary, the Olmecs predate the Aztecs by many centuries, marking them as one of the foundational cultures in Mesoamerican history.