Facts About The Ancient Maya

Forget the movie Apocalypto – the real Mayans of pre-Colombian America were more than stone pyramids and bloody rituals. From about 200 until the so-called “Mayan collapse” around 900 CE, the Maya people were at the height of their influence. They were one of many civilizations – like the Olmecs and the Aztecs – that animated Mesoamerica before the arrival of European colonizers.

Clustered around the Yucatán peninsula, Maya culture was layered and complex, filled with masterful artwork, political networks, and thriving cities. They even had a written language that is preserved in artwork and bark-bound codex books.

#maya #mesoamerica #weirdhistory

[kassyyar]

Guys, as a mexican that has traveled to the whole south of my own country, please remember:
Mayan ruins not only consists of Chichen Itzá, there are hundreds of different mayan ruins open to the public, some of the entrances cost no more than 5 USD and the places are completely ALONE and just as beautiful and interesting (if not more) than Chichen Itzá.
Theres Cobá, Calakmul, Edzná, Palenque, Uxmal, Tulúm and many many many more!
Please try it out! There so much more to learn and by visiting different archeological sites you support the diversity in the touristic industry!

Also, as a side note: the stupid idiot we have of a president stopped funding the INAH some years ago, the same
Institute that takes care of our prehispanic patrimony (and everything regarding archeology and museums tbf)
So please come to Mexico and support your local guides! You are all welcome here ✨

[btetschner]

Their structures, art, symbols, designs, it is all so amazing!

[Dianis_]

My mom’s side are descendants Yucatán Mayans my grandfather spoke yucate Mayan I speak a little bit of it, but I hope to continue learning to speak it to not lose it from our family

[Stashanie]

Definitely need more ancient history videos! Ancient Ireland! Ancient technology, ancient food history, goddess religions, ancient astrology etc!

[laralueddecke]

When I visited Belize I was able to see these ruins in person at xunantunich. There were structures from these old “ball games” still standing. The game is actually called “pok-ta-pok” and was used as a ritual of religious sacrifice. Ironically, it was the winner that would be sacrificed, as the Mayans believed it was an honor and they would then be reincarnated.

On another note, Belize is an amazing, beautiful country with lovely people. I would recommend for anyone to visit. Tubing through the caves branch river on the border of Guatemala, spelunking through the actun tunichil muknal cave, and seeing xunantunich were some of the best experiences of my life.

[cadillacdeville]

Good morning Mr. Weird History, pleasure as always.

[trouble]

They should teach history in school like this maybe the kids could learn easier

[VisualVerseMedia]

Thanks for always producing such high quality content. Your videos, undoubtedly have helped many people develop a love for history. Keep up the good work!

[btetschner]

The book Incidents of Travel in Central America, Chiapas, and Yucatan by J. Stephens and F. Catherwood is now a piece of history!
I will have to read that!

[timwodzynski]

My father in law is Mayan and he is from Momastenengo, Guatemala 🇬🇹. I have been to the Tikal National Park twice, which is Petén. My father in law speaks Ki'che.

[deannadias]

I went to Copan and it was freaking amazing btw. The tour guide, descendants of the original Mayan people, said the king were seen as Gods and when the truth came out they lost faith in the king.

[Scraggledust]

If not already done, it’d be nice to learn more about the Chachapoya culture

[makingroceries]

The Maya are fascinating. Sadly, not a lot of programs cover them.

[Dee-JayW]

I love the maya people, I spend 6 months of the year living amongst them in The Yucatan on the Gulf of Mexico. ❤❤

[babshm]

The quoted anthropologist voice over absolutely cracked me up -good show WH!

[btetschner]

In reference to that Garfield image....I lived in Garfield County, Nebraska for the first 18 years of my life.
When I was a kid, I didn't understand why the county was named that but I loved Garfield and would ask for one of those stuffed animals from the local pharmacy for almost every birthday and Christmas for years. I even had a Garfield "Nap Attack Sac" (sleeping bag) that I had until I slept too close to a campfire during a Cub Scout trip in and it burned up.

[NASCARFAN]

Their Pyramids are absolutely fascinating

[nedludd]

What surprised me the most is that you didn't mention Teotihuacan earlier culture which influenced the following.

[btetschner]

A+ video!
What a mysterious and unique culture!

[KittynFranky]

In primary school back in the 70s I had to do s project on ancient civilizations. Everyone went for Egypt and such like. Left without an encyclopedia I started on the available books and there I discovered the Mayans and the Incas.
I did finish my project without stress of being next in line for the encyclopedia booked out.