Ancient Maya Metropolis
The ancient ancestors of today’s Maya people thrived in large sophisticated cities across Central America for centuries. Why, around 750 CE, did they begin to abandon many of their major cities? Archaeologists investigate dramatic new evidence of the catastrophic droughts and instability that pushed cities beyond their limits.
Previews + Extras
Ancient Maya Metropolis Preview
S48 E22 - 30s
The ancient ancestors of today’s Maya people thrived in large sophisticated cities across Central America for centuries. Why, around 750 CE, did they begin to abandon many of their major cities? Archaeologists investigate dramatic new evidence of the catastrophic droughts and instability that pushed cities beyond their limits.
These Artifacts and Foods Tie Modern Maya to the Past
S48 E22 - 4m 4s
“The contemporary Maya people still practice not only Maya traditions, but Mesoamerican traditions," anthropologist Iyaxel Coteji Ren told NOVA. "It's one of the traits that distinguish Maya culture."
LIDAR Technology Helps Uncover a Maya Metropolis
S48 E22 - 3m 9s
LIDAR technology reveals that, in 700 C.E., the ancient Maya city of Caracol was one of the largest in the world.
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