Lost World of the Maya (Full Episode) | National Geographic

National Geographic・2 minutes read

Advanced technology like lidar and satellite imaging are revealing hidden Maya ruins and cities, challenging previous beliefs about Maya history, showcasing advanced engineering feats, and shedding light on religious practices and societal structures. The collapse of the northern Maya civilization in the 9th century was possibly due to political rivalries, a new religious cult, and prolonged droughts, leading to the abandonment of major cities and towns in the region.

Insights

  • Lidar and satellite imaging are transforming archaeology by uncovering hidden Maya ruins and cities, challenging previous beliefs about Maya history and revealing the complexity of their civilization.
  • Advanced water collection systems like chiltoons supported prosperous Maya societies in regions lacking natural water sources, while evidence suggests that political rivalries, religious shifts, and environmental challenges contributed to the decline and abandonment of major Maya cities in the 9th century.

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Recent questions

  • What technology is revolutionizing archaeology?

    Lidar and satellite imaging are transforming archaeology by uncovering hidden Maya ruins and cities. Lidar, or Light Detection and Ranging, uses light pulses to penetrate forest canopies and map ground structures. This advanced technology has mapped over 800 square miles of the Maya Biosphere Reserve, revealing the impressive engineering feats of the Maya civilization.

  • What recent discoveries challenge previous beliefs about Maya history?

    Recent discoveries in Maya archaeology have challenged previous beliefs about Maya history, particularly in terms of dating structures like pyramids. In Kiwi, a forgotten Maya town, a pyramid was found with vault stones and an ancient building foundation, suggesting earlier occupation than previously thought. These findings are reshaping our understanding of the timeline and complexity of Maya civilization.

  • What ancient artifacts were found in a cave in Guatemala?

    In Guatemala, a cave was discovered containing ancient Maya paintings and artifacts, shedding light on their religious practices. The paintings in the cave date back to 100 BC, revealing insights into the pre-classic period of Maya civilization. This discovery provides valuable information about the cultural and religious practices of the ancient Maya people.

  • How did the ancient Maya manage water scarcity in the Yucatan region?

    The ancient Maya in the Yucatan region, particularly in areas like Pook soil lacking natural water sources, created sophisticated rainwater collection systems like chiltoons. These systems, as seen in estates like Stairway to Heaven and Kiwi, could hold up to 10,000 gallons of rainwater, supporting prosperous societies during dry months. The utilization of advanced water management techniques highlights the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the ancient Maya civilization.

  • What factors contributed to the collapse of the northern Maya civilization?

    The collapse of the northern Maya civilization in the 9th century was likely influenced by various factors, including political rivalries and the introduction of the feathered serpent cult centered around Quetzalcoatl. Signs of construction halts at sites like Kiwi's palace and the carefully planned departure of residents from Stairway to Heaven indicate a decline possibly due to prolonged droughts and water scarcity. These factors, along with political unrest and ideological tensions, led to the abandonment of major cities and towns in the region, marking the end of the northern Maya civilization.

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Summary

00:00

"Maya Archaeology: Lidar Reveals Hidden Ruins"

  • Advanced technology like lidar and satellite imaging is revolutionizing archaeology, revealing hidden Maya ruins and cities.
  • Lidar, or Light Detection and Ranging, uses light pulses to see through forest canopies and map structures on the ground.
  • Over 800 square miles of the Maya Biosphere Reserve have been mapped, showcasing advanced engineering feats of the Maya civilization.
  • Discoveries challenge previous beliefs about Maya history, such as the dating of structures like pyramids.
  • In Kiwi, a forgotten Maya town, a pyramid reveals vault stones and an ancient building foundation, suggesting earlier occupation.
  • In Guatemala, a cave with ancient Maya paintings and artifacts is discovered, shedding light on their religious practices.
  • The paintings in the cave date back to 100 BC, indicating a pre-classic period of Maya civilization.
  • Excavations in the Yucatan reveal numerous new Maya towns, suggesting a more complex society than previously thought.
  • In Kiwi, a royal palace is uncovered beneath a pyramid, indicating a long-standing royal lineage in the region.
  • The existence of a northern Maya mega society challenges the traditional view of the Maya civilization originating solely in Guatemala.

23:53

Maya Civilization Decline: Water, Politics, Abandonment

  • Stephanie uncovers human remains at a burial site, including a skull and limb bones, indicating an offering.
  • Chemical analysis of a 1200-year-old plaque on the skull reveals the diet of the individual, suggesting they were wealthy plantation owners consuming a variety of plant foods.
  • The region of Yucatan where the site is located, Pook soil, lacks natural water sources, leading the ancient Maya to create sophisticated rainwater collection systems like chiltoons.
  • The estate of Stairway to Heaven utilized chiltoons to collect rainwater, with each chiltoon holding up to 10,000 gallons, supporting several families during dry months.
  • Nearby estates like Kiwi also had advanced water systems, supporting a prosperous society with a royal elite and possibly a middle class.
  • The rise of a political cult centered around the feathered serpent Quetzalcoatl in the 800s led to tensions and competition among local kings adhering to the new ideology.
  • Signs of construction halts at Kiwi's palace suggest a sudden decline in the city's prosperity, possibly due to political unrest or other unknown factors.
  • Evidence from the abandoned site of Stairway to Heaven indicates a carefully planned departure of its residents, likely due to prolonged droughts overwhelming their water supply.
  • The collapse of the northern Maya civilization in the 9th century, possibly exacerbated by political rivalries and the introduction of the feathered serpent cult, led to the abandonment of major cities and towns in the region.
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