Watch Dawn of the Maya

Dawn of the Maya is a documentary series that explores the ancient civilization of the Maya in Central America. The series is produced by National Geographic and was first aired in 2003. The series delves deep into the history and culture of the Maya, covering various aspects such as their art, architecture, religion, and customs.

The Maya civilization was one of the most advanced and complex societies in world history. The series aims to provide an in-depth insight into their civilization, and how they managed to build a thriving empire against all odds.

The series is divided into six episodes, each of which explores a different aspect of the Maya civilization. The first episode, titled "Jungle Kings," sets the stage for the series by exploring the Maya's rise to power and their conquest of neighboring tribes. The episode also covers their religious beliefs and the role of human sacrifice in their society.

The second episode, "Master Builders," delves into the Maya's remarkable architectural achievements. The series explores iconic structures like the Pyramids of Chichen Itza, the temple of Kukulkan, and the Caracol. The episode also covers the Maya's advanced knowledge of astronomy and how they incorporated it into their architecture.

The third episode, "The Blood of Kings," focuses on the royal family of the Maya and the political intrigue that dominated their society. The Maya kings were revered as divine beings, and their power was absolute. The series explores the rise and fall of the Maya rulers and the bloody wars that defined their existence.

The fourth episode, "Secrets of the Underworld," takes viewers on a tour of the Maya's subterranean world. The Maya believed in multiple layers of the universe, with the underworld being the lowest layer. The series explores the various caves, cenotes, and other underground structures that were sacred to the Maya and played a significant role in their religion.

The fifth episode, "The Writing on the Wall," explores the Maya's remarkable system of hieroglyphic writing. The Maya were the only civilization in the pre-Columbian Americas to develop a written language. The series explains how archaeologists were able to decipher their hieroglyphs, providing new insights into the Maya's history and culture.

The sixth and final episode, "Rulers of the Sky," focuses on the Maya's advanced knowledge of astronomy and how it played a crucial role in their religion and culture. The Maya were able to predict complex astronomical events such as eclipses and equinoxes with remarkable accuracy. The series explores their astronomical knowledge and how they integrated it into their art and architecture.

Overall, Dawn of the Maya is an excellent documentary series that offers a comprehensive exploration of the Maya civilization. The series provides new insights into the Maya's history, culture, and achievements, making it an essential watch for anyone interested in ancient history. With stunning visuals and expert commentary, the series brings to life one of the most complex and advanced societies of the ancient world.