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Dan Snow's History Hit · August 3, 2026 · 57m 31s

The Rise of the Ancient Maya

Dr Adrian Chase, Dr Diane Chase, Jose Mes
Show Notes

Dan Snow travels to the remote jungles of Belize to explore the rise of the ancient Maya civilization. Over 3,000 years, the Maya built towering pyramids, established powerful city-states, and engaged in warfare and ritual. This episode traces their emergence as a dominant force in the Americas, long before the Aztecs or Inca. It also touches on the enduring mystery of their ninth-century collapse. Featuring insights from archaeologists Dr Adrian Chase, Dr Diane Chase, and Jose Mes.

This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.

Highlights

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Towering Pyramids in the Rainforest
The Maya built towering pyramids in the rainforest long before the Aztecs or Inca.
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City-State Competition and Ritual
Maya city-states waged wars, forged alliances, and practiced elaborate rituals as they competed for power.
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The Mystery of the Ninth-Century Collapse
The ninth-century Maya collapse remains an enduring mystery that continues to puzzle historians.
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Misc

✧Dan Snow traveled to the remote jungles of Belize to film this episode.
✧Contributors included Dr Adrian Chase, Dr Diane Chase, and Jose Mes.
✧This is the first of a mini-series; a companion documentary 'The Secrets of the Maya' is available on History Hit.
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