The Rise of the Maya
Summary
Dan Snow visits the Maya site of Caracol in Belize to explore its history and a recent royal tomb discovery. He discusses the civilization's city-state structure, sophisticated water management, and calendar systems with archaeologist Dr. Adrian Chase. The episode also features Jose Messe, who demonstrates how modern Maya communities preserve ancient agricultural and medicinal traditions.
Topics discussed
Sponsors and introduction to the Maya series
Walking through the Belize jungle to Caracol
Overview of Maya geography and city-states
Interview with Adrian Chase on Maya diversity
Maya agriculture, water management, and calendars
The Maya as gardeners and forest managers
Modern Maya life, medicinal plants, and corn
Maya astronomy and the destruction of codices
Discovery of King Tekkab Chak's tomb at Caracol
Maya kingship, warfare, and political power
The Star War against Tikal and Caracol's rise
Deciphering Maya hieroglyphs and history
The decline of Caracol and legacy of the Maya
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