The Maya: The War of Five Kingdoms poster

Season 1

2024 · 4 episodes

In recent years, archaeologists have made major discoveries about the Classic Maya world. They showed that Maya kingdoms were engaged in warfare, which - among other factors - led to their downfall.

1The City Of Gods AwakensFor more than 3,000 years, the Maya civilisation flourished in Mesoamerica, developing cities, a sophisticated writing system, and an advanced understanding of time, astronomy, and the natural world.
2The Domination Of The Serpent KingsIn the eastern Maya Lowlands, a dynasty once shrouded in mystery gradually emerges as the most powerful political force of the Classic Maya world: the Kaanul, identified by their serpent emblem.
3Tikal Fights BackThe rivalry between Calakmul and Tikal reached its climax. Warfare, once a source of strength, became a catalyst for instability. This set the stage for the decline of the Classic Maya world.
4The End Of A CivilizationThe Serpent dynasty's dominance ended. Under Jasaw Chan K'awiil, Tikal briefly led, but instability grew. Political, ecological and social pressures caused the gradual collapse of the age of Classic Maya.

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