Watch Rise and Fall of the Mayans

The Rise and Fall of the Mayans is a documentary series presented by Discovery Family that covers the rich history of the Mayan civilization, its culture, and its ancient way of life. The show takes the viewers on a fascinating journey through time, uncovering the secrets of one of the most brilliant civilizations in human history, which thrived in the present-day territory of Central America and southern Mexico.

The series offers a captivating mix of stunning visuals, in-depth interviews with experts, and computer-generated imagery that bring the Mayan world to life. The first episode explores the early pre-history of the Mayans, their beliefs and traditions, and how they established their settlements across the rugged terrain of the Yucatan peninsula. The Mayan civilization was one of the most technically advanced of its time, with an incredible understanding and use of astronomy, mathematics, and architecture. The Mayans created a remarkable system of hieroglyph writing that has been translated in recent times to open up the secrets of their culture.

As we journey into the heart of Mayan world, the second episode focuses on the intricate social structure of the society, its governance, religious rituals, and hierarchical systems. The Mayans developed a complex system of government that governed over two million people, and the series explores their sophisticated calendar and celestial beliefs, including the creation myth of the world and the famous prediction of the end world. As we experience the monumental structures like temples and pyramids that the Mayans built, it is clear that their connection to the celestial world was central to their beliefs and their lives.

The third episode delves deeper into the Mayan way of life, the agricultural systems and irrigation methods that supported their growing population, their sophisticated trade and commerce networks, and the inter-clan warfare that was a part of their daily lives. The series takes the audience on a thrilling ride through the Mayan jungles, while examining the culture's love of sports, their sweat houses and other community activities like dances and artistic creations.

The series' final episode reflects on the decline of an astounding civilization, the reasons why it collapsed, and what happened to the Mayan people afterward. The Maya civilization reached its apogee during the Classic Period, but after that fell into disarray with the deforestation of their homeland environment and changing climatic circumstances. The series looks at the probable reasons for the downfall of the Mayans, including their ever-expanding population, the military conflict due to the consequence of overpopulation and food scarcity, climate change, disease, and a decline in the power of their elites. Viewers are left with a keen sense of what was lost with the long-lost civilization and what continues to sustain in the modern-day Mayan culture that expounds from the ancient roots.

Throughout the series, we see the various battles against invaders, as the Mayans fell under the control of several empires, including the Spanish. The final episode also explores how the Maya endure to survive today and how, despite a difficult history and the trauma they suffered, they continue to preserve their culture and honor their ancestors' legacy.

The Rise and Fall of the Mayans is a truly remarkable exploration of one of the most fascinating yet mysterious cultures in history. The show delivers an insightful, entertaining look into this rich history and the significance of the Mayan world to modern-day society. Through interviews with experts and cutting-edge technology, viewers will gain a new appreciation of the Mayan civilization and their cultural influence from generations past.