The Rise of the Ancient Maya

<p>For more than 3,000 years, the Maya built one of the Ancient world's greatest civilisations. They raised towering pyramids in the rainforest, mastered the environment and established powerful dynasties- long before the rise of the Aztecs or the Inca. Their city-states waged wars, forged alliances, and practised elaborate rituals as they competed for power across Central America.</p><br><p>In a special mini-series, Dan travels to the remote jungles of Belize to trace the remarkable story of the Maya: from their earliest beginnings and astonishing rise to their golden age, to the enduring mystery of the ninth-century collapse that continues to puzzle historians.</p><br><p>In episode one, Dan discovers exactly how the Maya emerged to become a dominant force in the ancient Americas.</p><br><p>If you would like to find out how to visit the ancient city of Caracol and the many places mentioned in this podcast, visit <a href="travelbelize.org"; rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.travelbelize.org</a> for more information!</p><br><p>If you want more, you can sign up to watch our History Hit documentary <em>The Secrets of the Maya</em> at <a href="access.historyhit.com/videos/secrets-of-the-ma…; rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">access.historyhit.com/videos/secrets-of-the-ma… huge thanks to Jonnell Augustine and Simon Noralez from the Belize Tourism Board, Natalie Wilson and Gabriella Bustone from Finn Partners. Our contributors: Dr Adrian Chase, Dr Diane Chase and Jose Mes.</p><br><p>Produced by Mariana Des Forges and edited by Dougal Patmore. </p>

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