Ep 1. Mayan Apocalypse

In the fourth season premiere of Cities of the Underworld, host Don Wildman takes viewers on a journey to the ancient Mayan city of Tikal, located in present-day Guatemala. The episode is titled "Mayan Apocalypse" and explores the fascinating history and mythology surrounding this once great civilization.

Wildman begins by descending into the underground limestone caves and tunnels that exist below the city. These subterranean spaces were used by the Maya for both practical and religious purposes, and Wildman explores how the Maya believed that the underworld was the realm of the dead and served as a gateway to the afterlife.

After exploring the underground tunnels, Wildman heads to the Temple of the Inscriptions, a massive pyramid that houses the tomb of the Mayan ruler Pacal the Great. Pacal is one of the most significant figures in Mayan history, and his tomb is one of the most impressive architectural and artistic achievements of the civilization.

While exploring the Temple of the Inscriptions, Wildman discusses the Mayan belief in cyclical time, which held that the world was destroyed and recreated in a series of cataclysmic events. This belief in multiple Apocalypses shaped the Mayan culture and religion.

From there, Wildman heads to other sites around the city, including the Temple of the Grand Jaguar and the Great Plaza. The Temple of the Grand Jaguar was constructed in honor of a Mayan ruler who claimed to be a manifestation of the god Kukulkan. The Great Plaza was a massive public space that played a central role in Mayan religious and political life.

Throughout the episode, Wildman discusses the various theories surrounding the collapse of the Maya civilization. While some believe that the civilization was brought down by environmental factors such as deforestation and drought, others argue that social and political factors played a larger role.

Ultimately, "Mayan Apocalypse" is a fascinating exploration of one of the world's great ancient civilizations, and the profound impact that belief in the end of the world had on Mayan culture and religion. As with all episodes of Cities of the Underworld, viewers can expect stunning visuals, intriguing historical details, and Wildman's signature sense of adventure and curiosity.