Facts About The Ancient Maya

Forget the movie Apocalypto - the real Mayans of pre-Colombian America were more than stone pyramids and bloody rituals. From about 200 until the so-called “Mayan collapse” around 900 CE, the Maya people were at the height of their influence. They were one of many civilizations - like the Olmecs and the Aztecs - that animated Mesoamerica before the arrival of European colonizers.
Clustered around the Yucatán peninsula, Maya culture was layered and complex, filled with masterful artwork, political networks, and thriving cities. They even had a written language that is preserved in artwork and bark-bound codex books.
Be sure to subscribe to the Weird History Newsletter: www.ranker.com/newsletters/we...
#maya #mesoamerica #weirdhistory

[@kassyyar97]

Guys, as a mexican that has traveled to the whole south of my own country, please remember: Mayan ruins not only consists of Chichen Itzá, there are hundreds of different mayan ruins open to the public, some of the entrances cost no more than 5 USD and the places are completely ALONE and just as beautiful and interesting (if not more) than Chichen Itzá. Theres Cobá, Calakmul, Edzná, Palenque, Uxmal, Tulúm and many many many more! Please try it out! There so much more to learn and by visiting different archeological sites you support the diversity in the touristic industry! Also, as a side note: the stupid idiot we have of a president stopped funding the INAH some years ago, the same Institute that takes care of our prehispanic patrimony (and everything regarding archeology and museums tbf) So please come to Mexico and support your local guides! You are all welcome here ✨

[@Sorchia56]

I’ve been through Central and South America. You’re spot on, it’s gorgeous and stunning!

[@Rjeda30]

That’s some very useful and awesome info. Planning a trip for next year. Will be using your comments as a bit of a guide!

[@kassyyar97]

@@Sorchia56 And not only speaking of mayan ruins, theres so much to explore regarding the zapotecas, olmecas and aztecas! The south of Mexico is a jewel, I love going there!

[@salijayehinsen2892]

I went to Tulum on a western Caribbean cruise in December 2019

[@desireemedranocantu]

Not tulum! Theres a los of archeological sites near tulum that are completly alone, just 30 min South of tulum theres Muyil or Cobá, and you can find other sites that are much better than the popular ones like yaxchilan and bonampak in chiapas, totaly worth it.

[@btetschner]

Their structures, art, symbols, designs, it is all so amazing!

[@Stashanie]

Definitely need more ancient history videos! Ancient Ireland! Ancient technology, ancient food history, goddess religions, ancient astrology etc!

[@collaborativedataaccounts3249]

They won't do it because they wouldn't be able to shoehorn Marxist terms like "CE" and glom it over a Catholic culture.

[@tonystarke9820]

Ancient Ireland tf cares about Ireland

[@laralueddecke9567]

When I visited Belize I was able to see these ruins in person at xunantunich. There were structures from these old “ball games” still standing. The game is actually called “pok-ta-pok” and was used as a ritual of religious sacrifice. Ironically, it was the winner that would be sacrificed, as the Mayans believed it was an honor and they would then be reincarnated. On another note, Belize is an amazing, beautiful country with lovely people. I would recommend for anyone to visit. Tubing through the caves branch river on the border of Guatemala, spelunking through the actun tunichil muknal cave, and seeing xunantunich were some of the best experiences of my life.

[@Dianis1221_]

My mom’s side are descendants Yucatán Mayans my grandfather spoke yucate Mayan I speak a little bit of it, but I hope to continue learning to speak it to not lose it from our family

[@Scraggledust]

That’s amazing! It is enriching and beautiful privilege to carry the knowledge of your culture! Much good vibes for you! 🤘

[@hospitalcakewalk]

Mayas*

[@av1421]

You go girl. Do not let the spaniards win!

[@TheBadasspony]

👍

[@elizabethvasquez7552]

Tlazohcamati huel miac 🙌

[@makingroceries77]

The Maya are fascinating. Sadly, not a lot of programs cover them.

[@Itzpapalotl.]

They do in Spanish-speaking countries

[@cadillacdeville5828]

Good morning Mr. Weird History, pleasure as always.

[@Scraggledust]

If not already done, it’d be nice to learn more about the Chachapoya culture

[@btetschner]

The book Incidents of Travel in Central America, Chiapas, and Yucatan by J. Stephens and F. Catherwood is now a piece of history! I will have to read that!

[@trouble8678]

They should teach history in school like this maybe the kids could learn easier

[@deannadias]

I went to Copan and it was freaking amazing btw. The tour guide, descendants of the original Mayan people, said the king were seen as Gods and when the truth came out they lost faith in the king.

[@NASCARFAN93100]

Their Pyramids are absolutely fascinating

[@renaissanceredneck3695]

🎉here we have the rare PROPER use of "their", thank you for using proper grammar.🎉 Hey if the grammar nazis can bitch, least the rest of us can do is recognize. 🤷

[@neonemptiness8152]

They look like Cambodian ones

[@JesseOwens-mk9pk]

amazing 🎉🎉

[@A_Bvgzi]

And thousands were ritualistically killed by the Mayans 😁 from new born babies to adults. It's such a rich culture.

[@teresafernandez9849]

@@A_Bvgzi as rich as the ppl who burnt people, alive in New England over witches. The ppl who slaughtered inocente men women and children at Wounded Knee for love of their God and country. As rich as the European culture, who were the greediest, blood thirsty m-frs on the planet. Everywhere they went, they slaughtered, tortured, enslaved, looted and shoved their violent religion up ppl's ass! Rich as ppl who put humans in arenas with beasts, for sport. Lil Daniel, in the Bible, got an old sick lion, or he would've been ripped apart to sounds of applause. Heads rolling off the guillotine in Europe over politics and religion. The Inquisition,. in Europe, was a murder torture fest. They did it with a Bible in one hand and a bloody sword or gun in the other. Christianity has a very violent history. The "expert", have had them covered at the Natives expense, since day one, Hypocrites!

[@timwodzynski7234]

My father in law is Mayan and he is from Momastenengo, Guatemala 🇬🇹. I have been to the Tikal National Park twice, which is Petén. My father in law speaks Ki'che.

[@btetschner]

In reference to that Garfield image....I lived in Garfield County, Nebraska for the first 18 years of my life. When I was a kid, I didn't understand why the county was named that but I loved Garfield and would ask for one of those stuffed animals from the local pharmacy for almost every birthday and Christmas for years. I even had a Garfield "Nap Attack Sac" (sleeping bag) that I had until I slept too close to a campfire during a Cub Scout trip in and it burned up.

[@Dee-JayW]

I love the maya people, I spend 6 months of the year living amongst them in The Yucatan on the Gulf of Mexico. ❤❤

[@dr.shlomosands1096]

Mix breed aka QUATROON OCTAROON MULATTO's MESTISO LADINO aint no got dam maya!!! Those people were black not MESTIZOS

[@EternalEmperorofZakuul]

@@dr.shlomosands1096 no wonder the white descendants of Pocahontas had no problem racially intimidating your kind in the old days, never once calling you family

[@1victim27]

​@@dr.shlomosands1096 weirdo

[@Pagansunflower1]

This past April I got to go to the Mayapan ruins in the Yucatán and it was awesome!

[@nedludd7622]

What surprised me the most is that you didn't mention Teotihuacan earlier culture which influenced the following.

[@VisualVerseMedia]

Thanks for always producing such high quality content. Your videos, undoubtedly have helped many people develop a love for history. Keep up the good work!

[@KittynFranky7643]

In primary school back in the 70s I had to do s project on ancient civilizations. Everyone went for Egypt and such like. Left without an encyclopedia I started on the available books and there I discovered the Mayans and the Incas. I did finish my project without stress of being next in line for the encyclopedia booked out.

[@btetschner]

A+ video! What a mysterious and unique culture!

[@lone_cowboy3332]

I bet the people they sacrificed think the same of their ''unique'' culture lol

[@btetschner]

@@lone_cowboy3332 If you wanted to be a moral crusader, you would have done more to prevent the decline of the country. You didn't do anything.

[@lone_cowboy3332]

@@btetschner Im not a moral crusader lol. Im just saying that their culture nor the crusaders are things to be praised in any form

[@btetschner]

@@lone_cowboy3332 You just aren't a moral person.

[@TopSecretInformations]

⁠ btet, Go finger wag elsewhere. Scolding a stranger for 'not doing anything' while you do nothing .. _cringe af_

[@babshm]

The quoted anthropologist voice over absolutely cracked me up -good show WH!

[@KryptidandCo]

Could you do a video on the Hollow Earth theory? I love these videos so much!!

[@Seeker0628]

The voice tone changes killed me! 😂😂

[@benisaten]

Love WHs quoting voice haha. I selfishly hope TIMELINE returns! Thanks!

[@kristimccabe8288]

I just discovered this channel and I'm absolutely obsessed now lol

[@garymarcera7452]

I've always been interested in original New world civilizations and cultures, so thanks for a great and informative video. Really enjoyed it. How about the Incas soon?

[@OverTheTop85]

Colonization is one of the greatest events in human history!

[@auntvesuvi3872]

Thanks for this! 🪨 Our high school Biology Club spent 2 weeks in the Yucatan. We visited so many ancient ruins. Gorgeous. #WeirdHistory #MesoAmerica #Maya #MayanCulture

[@ZoeAlleyne]

Hey, I knew this stuff. Not as a brag or an insult to this channel, just happy to know that my effort to be less ignorant has been paying off.

[@sallykohorst8803]

Yes thanks for their history.

[@cindywine4660]

I’d like to hear more about the Aztecs

[@amnesick3534]

I would love to hear the history on how the Campbells became the most powerful clan in Scotland by killing off all the other clans.

[@sedoff1948]

I loved the way you gently mocked the academics. They really don’t say much when you analyze it. More experts like the climate experts.

[@MaximilianEckardt-vg4qg]

Very nice Video

[@Thatwilcraig58]

I would love to learn more about the Aztecs.

[@collaborativedataaccounts3249]

Turn this station off and read a book.

[@Thatwilcraig58]

@@collaborativedataaccounts3249 yeah? What book do you recommend?

[@collaborativedataaccounts3249]

@@Thatwilcraig58 Anything that doesn't refer to 'CE' when it's discussing a happening in the Julian and/or Gregorian calendars. Get a library card.

[@Thatwilcraig58]

@@collaborativedataaccounts3249 I have one , but which one should I buy off of Amazon.

[@LaReferenciaHistorica]

Good day, *the fact that impressed me the most was* the topic between mother and daughter Olmec culture. But *I would also like to telling others that were tell at video:* -It describes the resources and territorial scope of the Mayan culture. -Mayan mathematics used zero. -Today there are 6 million Mayan speakers and approximately 30 variants of the language. -The ball game was used for religious traditions, fun or to resolve disputes. -The end of the Mayan civilization could have occurred due to climate change or overpopulation with limited resources. Thanks for sharing! 🇪🇦 Buen día, *el hecho que más me impresionó fue* el tema entre cultura olmeca madre e hija. Pero también *me gustaría contar otros que se contaron en el video:* -Describe los recursos y ámbito territorial de la cultura maya. -Las matemáticas mayas usaban el cero. -Hoy hay 6 millones de hablantes de maya y aproximadamente 30 variantes del idioma. -El juego de pelota se utilizaba para las tradiciones religiosas, la diversión o para resolver disputas. -El fin de la civilización maya pudo haber ocurrido por el cambio climático o por la sobrepoblación con recursos limitados. ¡Gracias por compartir!

[@jrmckim]

I wish your channel would do a video on culture-bound syndromes aka folk illnesses. Like Fan death, Amok syndrome, Dhat syndrome, Hwabyeong, and Koro.

[@kenwaldron8548]

Their symbols or heiroglyphs are by far the most amazing

[@jenniferbreaux7385]

I've been to a couple of sites and they're see inspiring

[@chito2294]

thank you for doing the voices

[@noahk8158]

My first relationship was with someone who was half Mayan and he grew up in Belize. Ever since he talked about it, I always wanted to visit.

[@dr.shlomosands1096]

BULLSHIT REAL Maya were and is black people!!!!!!!!!!!

[@EternalEmperorofZakuul]

@@dr.shlomosands1096 one day, your kids will be bullied by the descendants of the Mayans, and they will, in turn, hate you for bringing them to the world

[@AnahuacMeshiko]

​@@dr.shlomosands1096Look, let's pretend that if they were black, that wouldn't change the fact that you're a descendant of West African slaves, therefore they'd be a completely different ethnic group.

[@EternalEmperorofZakuul]

@@dr.shlomosands1096 one day, you and your descendants will pay. That's a promise.

[@carljcmjk8609]

I am of Mayan decent till this day it is unclear how the Mayan Civilisation collapsed . Am originally from Belize .

[@hicknopunk]

They invented social media...dying out was just a matter of time then. (Joke)

[@user-up6ys3db5l]

I would bet it had something too do with decease and contact with a European.

[@TopSecretInformations]

⁠@@user-up6ys3db5l please proofread, and stop virtue signaling...btw, Kellogg is Scottish/English... _European_ gasp!

[@user-up6ys3db5l]

@@TopSecretInformations it is a common fact that the natives of the Americas did not have immunity too European desease and contact always resulted in death for a large majority of the native population. I am thinking it was Spain made first European contact. And the fact that my name is Scottish or English from way back has nothing too do with anything. I was born in America and consider myself an American. Even though I am not real happy with the present administration who might have stolen the last Presidential election with the help of the Chinese. Too many odd things happen the last Presidential election for it too be all on the up and up. But then Me. Trump might have had help from the Russians too get into office and there is too much stuff happening in the Government right now. Most of them need too get out of Government and we need too elect a new bunch of Congress. And the full time Government employees running the game from high ranking posts in the CIA and FBI need too retire. They are ruining our country wether they think so or not.

[@histguy101]

Military conquest during the 16th and 17th century.

[@user-chemistpharmacist]

Intresting.

[@l.a.t.1810]

Watching the ball game made me think of the animated movie from 2000, The road to El Dorado. They've got a great scene of the ball game. It seems they did research, as it was played close to what you described. Except for the horse playing part! 😂😂

[@lukemn29]

Mayans were the original people that E.T. phoned home to.

[@lukecaldwell704]

I liked your accent while quoting that author!!

[@Sturmgeist.]

Have a great day!

[@xploration1437]

Do you like mayonnaise?

[@shannonardo]

In college for a research trip, we went to Belize and stayed with Mayan host families in a town called “Golden Stream” when translated. The Lisa lady he quotes in this video is correct- there are Mayan peoples that did not leave, and entire towns of them still exist, and they speak different dialects of the Mayan languages. At that time, they were still fighting for the Belizean govt to give them those pieces of land as reservations. A modern Mayan community just like the one my host family lived in, though in a different country, is shown in the second “Black Panther” movie!! A ton of ancient Mayan culture in that movie as well!

[@OMGGitsCAROL]

Love learning through your videos! Would love to learn about early Hebrew history! Especially weird facts!

[@teresafernandez9849]

Nothing to learn, we r NOT Hebrew, so sick and tiered of everyone telling us who we are.

[@NewMessage]

Fun Fact: The different factions of the Maya are NOT known as: Maya-hi Maya-hu Maya-ho Maya-ha-ha

[@mdzrck2247]

Numa Numa Yey!

[@cherrieberry]

Please make a video on standing stones, stone circles, etc. More than just Stonehenge, please.

[@starkilr101]

Nice to know that the game in Road to El Dorado has some fact to it

[@guyorsini1044]

Could you do an episode about the Toltecs?

[@mattepatte2222]

I would like a Weird History video covering the history of the Weird History KZbin channel.

[@user-qk3wk9kf2s]

Because I really really like this guy

[@eriways2018]

Narrator is legend ❤

[@starflakey]

agree! he's my favorite one 😄

[@imransadiq4149]

Please do a video of the Sumerians

[@noah5664]

Looking at their ruins and carvings it’s easy to see where the devs of Tears of the Kingdom got the inspiration for the Zonai from

[@frankomendizabal2348]

I love that game. I see where you are coming from. But the TOTK designs look more Mixtec and Aztec rather than Maya. For example, the zonaite shield, I feel feel is inspired by a Mixtec gold ceremonial disk. Just google, “disco de oro Mixteca”. Or the most famous example, the stone dragon heads. I feel they strongly resemble the ones from the Templo Mayor. Just google “templo mayor serpiente”. Heck, some of them even have red pigments, just like the labyrinths in the game. Not Maya at all.

[@themegawise]

Could you do a video on pin up culture, especially Hilda pinups by Duane Bryers?

[@coreyhonea7516]

American living in copan runias Honduras definitely worth the visit

[@DeeSargent]

I love the quote narration. 😂

[@Oliver-Vader-Emma]

The ball game reminds me of the one in the road to el dorado

[@HUITXO]

You forgot to mention that the Maya drew the same conclusions Galileo did... 1000 years before Galileo.

[@brianrussell7369]

I was expecting a video about Maya Rudolph.

[@TimOdne-bb9vd]

Thms🌸✝️

[@fornello123]

The biggest surprise is that the term Colonizer has replaced Explorer

[@claudiajohnson2352]

Please make an episode about the Boriqua AKA Tainos from the carribean

[@vendweler]

We need “ But Bafoe “ merch!

[@Jack-pf6lv]

Can you make an video about Samnites Day-1

[@Dewbs]

Would love to see a video on the aboriginal people of Australia

[@nickrykert2572]

They knew about the number 0. Europe didn't know about it. Which allowed them to build those great pyramids.

[@smoothbeak]

:P And the Egyptians and the Chinese?

[@smoothbeak]

I believe they both did, however my point here is that knowledge of the number 0 and pyramids seem kind of unrelated for the most part

[@nickrykert2572]

@@smoothbeak I didn't say them.

[@smoothbeak]

@@nickrykert2572 Yes I know that you didn't.

[@johnkotvas]

Can u make a video about the Pitcairn Island?

[@jenrules]

“Take that February!” 😂😂😂😂

[@kennethkennedy3265]

Some bout 2012 I can’t shake it’s never been the same after that year

[@tr4br]

Do the history of obsidian and/or flint.

[@110Jhony]

please, what's the music at 5:17

[@robertjohnson8543]

I would like to know more about how the Maltese lived under the rule of the Knight Hospitaller as the period before is lost or unknown

[@nicholaswhorley8343]

Lol @ random swing dancing @ 2:30

[@stevenpeter6179]

Have you discussed Etruscans yet?

[@mikepierson7447]

Maya heeee, Maya ho, Maya ha ha 🎶

[@jtgd]

Interesting how general human civilization evolves, regardless of general time. Pyramids, valuable resources beyond mere sustenance resources, religious calendars

[@civroger]

Nice The Big Lebowski reference! "It really tied the room together" I bet no-one dared to pee on the Mayan's rug :D

[@TopSecretInformations]

"Rug-peers didn't do this, man"

[@cyankirkpatrick5194]

Have you done a video about the Etruscans those that were before the Celts. The Olmec resemble the Polynesian people I had a person point that out to me, Olmec means rubber people. The calendar was a modern concept in order to follow the seasons I was told that I'm beginning to think differently this is not new to my thoughts, I'm thinking something different about calendars.

[@Chipito2005]

Pok ta tok is so much fun to play

[@budder_bro]

Good voice acting

[@emayaii]

Not sure if there’s enough info for a video but if there is, can you make one about native Americans who fought in the US’ Civil War?

[@justinwilliam6534]

I have read about how the Mayans thought the end of the world is in 2012 just glad it’s false I would feel sorry for anyone that has ever panicked about it back then.

[@hicknopunk]

They only believed things would reset. 2012 just happened to be when their LAST calendar date. Only modern people think the Maya thought the world was ending then. Added: oh good, the video later addressed this.

[@DIREWOLFx75]

Everyone with a brain already knew that it was just one more calendar reset. Like 1999 to 2000 or 2999 to 3000. The understanding of the long count calendar is NOT new. Their known texts include mention of future dates far far ahead in time.

[@drakebest8645]

Apocalypto was a great movie! They definitely knew how to hunt and trap

[@pepperonish]

Your voice for that lady was funny

[@glorii3]

Do you think you could do a video on Tainos or Indigenes from Saint-Domingue(Now Haiti)?

[@angheloiumarius]

What about Dacian Civilization?

[@nateh9600]

There are NUMEROUS findings and publications that allude to the FACT that the Maya (and other major cultures like the Aztec), descend from the ancient Olmec. Maya art, architecture, culture, etc. is all influenced by the Olmec. Archaeological records show that the Maya borrowed numerous art and archaeology concepts from the Olmec; for instance, art depicting religion and ritual-specific themes that the Olmec practiced as well. If we look deeper, there are even statues/ carvings depicting the Maize God Theme, being in trance, and cosmological tools that were first introduced into Meso-America by the Olmec. If there is a huge debate in the archaeological field regarding whether or not the Maya or even Aztec descend from the Olmec, then this is surprisingly my first time coming into contact with it. I really don’t understand peoples obsession with trying to define and narrate certain cultural histories as if they have any place to speak on it at all.

[@piratexxxking]

Didn't realize there were so many ball courts

[@hospitalcakewalk]

NO STOP, you got their actual plural correct :}

[@bullshihtology8088]

There's also a famous river called River Maya.

[@user-jc8vo7jc3g]

Do a video on the Maori people

[@user-km4mo6vp8k]

in wankanda forever it shows part of Yucatan peninsula pyramids and there language

[@kirbymarchbarcena]

If only UNESCO could convince the politicians to continually fund their tourism then this could flourish both economically and culturally

[@LaoGrow]

Historical Laos people please!

[@rileyfuckingrifle]

Its "Egyptian hieroglyphs" or "hieroglyphic writing" never "Egyptian hieroglyphics". I used to make this mistake all the time, too.