The Fall of the Ancient Maya

Available for over a year

Historians have long been fascinated by the Maya Collapse in the 9th century: why the great cities of Mesoamerica were abandoned, why their populations disappeared, and why the construction of magnificent monuments came to a halt. To trace the story of this mighty fall, Dan travels to the ancient Maya cities hidden in the jungles of Belize to investigate star wars, climate crisis, and the Spanish conquest that delivered the final blow. He also ventures deep into Belize's extraordinary cave system with archaeologist Dr Rafael Guerra to uncover how the Maya turned to human sacrifice in an attempt to appease forces beyond their control- leading to an astonishing discovery. Produced by Mariana Des Forges and edited by Dougal Patmore. All music from Epidemic Sounds/All3Media. Dan Snow's History Hit is a History Hit podcast.