Sacred Sites Season 2 Episode 2
Sacred Sites
Season 2

Ep 2. Maya

  • TV-PG
  • August 20, 2018
  • 51 min

In the second episode of Sacred Sites season 2, viewers are taken on a journey through the ancient ruins of the Maya civilization.

The episode begins by introducing the Maya people, an indigenous civilization that flourished in what is now modern-day Mexico and Central America from about 2000 BC until the Spanish conquest in the 16th century. The Maya were known for their monumental architecture, sophisticated writing system, and complex religious beliefs.

The first sacred site explored in the episode is Chichen Itza, one of the most famous Maya cities. The site is home to several impressive buildings, including the Temple of Kukulkan, also known as El Castillo. The temple is a terraced pyramid with a stairway on each of its four sides, and is aligned with the equinoxes so that, twice a year, a shadow is cast on the steps that resembles a snake descending the pyramid. The episode explains the significance of the snake in Maya mythology, as well as the astronomical knowledge required to align the temple with the equinoxes.

Next, viewers are taken to the far north of the Maya territory, to the site of Tulum. Unlike many other Maya cities, Tulum was located on the coast, and served as an important trading port. The city is surrounded by a wall, and inside the walls are several temples and palaces, including the Temple of the Frescoes, which is adorned with intricate murals depicting the Maya worldview. The episode explains how the murals provide insight into Maya art and culture, as well as their views on the afterlife.

The episode then moves on to Palenque, a city deep in the heart of the Maya jungle. The site is known for its elaborate palaces and platforms, as well as its famous temple, the Temple of the Inscriptions. The temple gets its name from the hieroglyphic inscriptions that cover its walls, which provide a wealth of information about Maya history and culture. The episode explains how these inscriptions were deciphered, and what they reveal about the Maya people's beliefs about life, death, and the afterlife.

Finally, the episode explores the site of Tikal, which was one of the largest and most powerful of all the Maya cities. The site covers an area of more than 16 square kilometers, and includes thousands of buildings, many of which are still hidden under the jungle canopy. The episode focuses on Temple IV, a massive structure that stands over 70 meters tall and is one of the tallest pre-Columbian structures in the Americas. The temple served as a symbolic link between the Maya people and the gods, and the episode explains how its height and position were chosen for this purpose.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to stunning aerial shots of the Maya ruins, as well as expert commentary on the history and significance of each site. The episode provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of the Maya, from their sophisticated astronomy and mathematics to their complex beliefs about death and the afterlife. By the end of the episode, viewers will have gained a new appreciation for the remarkable achievements of this ancient civilization.

Description
Watch Sacred Sites - Maya (s2 e2) Online - Watch online anytime: Buy, Rent
Sacred Sites, Season 2 Episode 2, is available to watch and stream on Smithsonian CHANNEL. You can also buy, rent Sacred Sites on demand at Paramount+, Amazon Prime, Philo, Amazon, Vudu, FuboTV, Google Play, Apple TV online.
  • First Aired
    August 20, 2018
  • Content Rating
    TV-PG
  • Runtime
    51 min
  • Language
    English