The Mayans...one of history's great lost civilizations. They thrived for what was a short, but amazing, reign...then completely disappeared. What didn't disappear, and is only in small part yet discovered, is their jungle cities complete with amazing pyramids. Just seeing impressive monuments such as Chichén Itzá raises the mystery quotient. The Mayans built grand cities in the middle of some of the most inhospitable geographic areas of any primitive cultures. Cities that made little sense as in addition to their remoteness were the very definition of "land-locked". So, being far away from obvious water sources how did they raise crops and survive? Turns out quite well as their water wasn't on top of their land, but underneath it.
Countless unproven theories have been postulated as to why the Mayans just completely abandoned their cities and disappeared. So far, no theory has risen to the top as being irrefutable. It's Josh's mission to get to some truths, hard facts that tell a more accurate story as to one of mankind's greatest mysteries. As usual, wrapped in some serious archaeological exploration Josh treats his viewers to yet another wonderful travelogue complete with his unique humorous commentary.
Some people have believed there was a great single cataclysmic event, not unlike those who believed the Mayan calendar predicted a few years back. Now there's some actual facts with supporting evidence regional experts are piecing together. For instance, the great Mayan monuments have been believed to all be based on astronomy and little else. Josh discovers that while astronomy was linked it was very likely not the sole, or even main, reason for the amazing pyramids. While built respecting the seasons and the celestial heavens it is only now becoming clear that underground water sources may well be the single most determining factor of where these structures were built. By graphically showing (Josh jumps in and dives several) the amazing underground sources of the Mayan's water, called ceyotes (think vast underground caverns with what seems like an ocean of the clearest fresh water you'll likely see)it becomes clear that these underground rivers of life actually were more the determiner of where the Mayans built their temples and cities than the sun, moon, and stars. And, their downfall wasn't from wars or disease, but due to their own deforestation and some bad luck weather wise. This seems like it could well be a solid revelation in the attempt to explain the unexplainable.
Once more Gates has made archeology pure entertainment. By taking us deep into the forest where few have gone he earns respect for his chutzpah and just enough science made palatable for the armchair adventurer in us all. A good installment with maybe what will become more proved over time as the answer to a big mystery.
Countless unproven theories have been postulated as to why the Mayans just completely abandoned their cities and disappeared. So far, no theory has risen to the top as being irrefutable. It's Josh's mission to get to some truths, hard facts that tell a more accurate story as to one of mankind's greatest mysteries. As usual, wrapped in some serious archaeological exploration Josh treats his viewers to yet another wonderful travelogue complete with his unique humorous commentary.
Some people have believed there was a great single cataclysmic event, not unlike those who believed the Mayan calendar predicted a few years back. Now there's some actual facts with supporting evidence regional experts are piecing together. For instance, the great Mayan monuments have been believed to all be based on astronomy and little else. Josh discovers that while astronomy was linked it was very likely not the sole, or even main, reason for the amazing pyramids. While built respecting the seasons and the celestial heavens it is only now becoming clear that underground water sources may well be the single most determining factor of where these structures were built. By graphically showing (Josh jumps in and dives several) the amazing underground sources of the Mayan's water, called ceyotes (think vast underground caverns with what seems like an ocean of the clearest fresh water you'll likely see)it becomes clear that these underground rivers of life actually were more the determiner of where the Mayans built their temples and cities than the sun, moon, and stars. And, their downfall wasn't from wars or disease, but due to their own deforestation and some bad luck weather wise. This seems like it could well be a solid revelation in the attempt to explain the unexplainable.
Once more Gates has made archeology pure entertainment. By taking us deep into the forest where few have gone he earns respect for his chutzpah and just enough science made palatable for the armchair adventurer in us all. A good installment with maybe what will become more proved over time as the answer to a big mystery.