Watch Exploring the Mayan World

Exploring the Mayan World is a captivating documentary series produced by The Great Courses Signature Collection, featuring renowned archaeologist and anthropologist Edwin Barnhart, as he embarks on a journey through the Mesoamerican civilization of the Mayas. This series is a must-watch for history buffs, cultural enthusiasts, and anyone interested in unraveling the mysteries of the intriguing Mayan world.

Over the course of six episodes, Dr. Barnhart takes the viewer on a fascinating adventure, tracing the rise and fall of the Mayan civilization across thousands of years. From the earliest evidence of Mayan existence to the grandeur of their monumental cities, Barnhart covers ancient Mayan life, art, science, religion, and politics with an infectious passion that is hard to resist.

The first episode, titled "The Maya - An Introduction," sets the foundation for the rest of the series. Barnhart begins by discussing the history and significance of the Mayan civilization, explaining how it emerged and evolved over time. He then takes us on a tour of some of the most spectacular archaeological sites of the Mayan world, showcasing their impressive temples, pyramids, and stelae.

In the second episode, "The Olmec and Early Maya," Barnhart delves deeper into the roots of Mayan civilization, exploring the early cultural influences of the Olmec people, as well as the emergence of the Maya classic period from around 250 AD. He also discusses how the Maya developed a remarkable system of writing, the only complete ancient writing system in the Americas.

Next, in "Maya Cosmos," Barnhart explores the Mayan understanding of the universe and their complex celestial observations. Through an analysis of the Mayan calendar, he upholds the misunderstanding that the Maya predicted the end of the world would happen in 2012. Instead of doom, the calendar represented the end of a cycle and renewal, described as a time of great opportunity that we should use to make our world a better place.

In "The Rise of the Classic Maya," Barnhart discusses how the Mayans developed a highly complex social and political structure. He covers various aspects of the society, including the ruling elites, warfare, religion, and the intricate agricultural system that enabled the Mayans to feed their growing population.

The fifth episode, "The Fall of the Classic Maya," is a poignant exploration of the demise of the great Mayan civilization. Barnhart presents various theories and speculations on why this highly advanced civilization eventually collapsed, including environmental factors, political instability, and invasion.

Finally, in "The Legacy of the Maya," the last episode, Barnhart talks about the incredible legacy of the Mayan civilization, including their artistic achievements, scientific knowledge, and cultural heritage that continue to influence the world today. He emphasizes how learning about Maya history not only helps us understand their incredible achievements but also challenges us to rethink our own societies and ways of life.

What makes Exploring the Mayan World such an engrossing series is the way that Barnhart presents the information with a profound understanding of and deep respect for Mayan culture. He delivers the fascinating knowledge with an engaging tone, capturing the essence of Mayan civilization, its complexities and intricacies, and transporting us to a unique world that is both incredible and enigmatic.

In summary, Exploring the Mayan World from The Great Courses Signature Collection starring Edwin Barnhart is a breathtaking and illuminating experience that will transport you back in time and leave you wanting more. Whether you are a history buff, a cultural enthusiast, or simply someone seeking a deeper understanding of our world, this series is an absolute must-watch.

Exploring the Mayan World is a series that ran for 1 seasons (8 episodes) between July 17, 2020 and on The Great Courses Signature Collection