New Discoveries Rewrite Maya History | Rise and Fall of the Maya MEGA Episode | National Geographic

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 12:38:48 +0000

What actually happened to the ancient Maya? Mysteries unfold in this four episode Rise and Fall of the Maya Mega Episode compilation from National Geographic. Journey where the Maya lived in Mexico and Guatemala as archaeologists and historians uncover new evidence that rewrites what we know about this fascinating and mysterious ancient civilization. From the monumental discovery of a 3,000-year-old hidden megastructure to the puzzling, catastrophic collapse that forced millions to abandon their pyramid-filled cities, explore the origins of Maya power, secrets, and resilience in this documentary series. Featuring full episodes:

Origins - 00:00
What is Aguada Fénix? In June 2020, scientists discover Aguada Fénix, a monumental 3,000-year-old Maya structure. Uncover the hidden secrets of Aguada Fénix, the oldest monument built by the ancient Maya civilization, dating back to around 1000 BCE, that challenge everything we knew about the Maya's earliest days.

Civilization - 44:03
New architectural and technological evidence unearthed in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula transforms long-held ideas about how the Maya civilization grew into a superpower.

Collapse - 01:28:06
Why did the ancient Maya civilization collapse? Many cities were abandoned due to a complex combination of severe droughts, overpopulation, deforestation, and warfare. The exact series of events that lead the ancient Maya to abandon their pyramid-filled cities has long puzzled archaeologists. Now, new investigations in Mexico and Guatemala are exposing surprising evidence about why these great monuments were deserted.

Resilience - 02:12:09
Archaeologists unearth new clues about the resurgence of the ancient Maya civilization and the devastating events that would ultimately lead them to abandon their cities for good. Investigations also reveal evidence of extreme resilience in the face of catastrophe.

The Rise and Fall of the Maya | S1

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Origins to Collapse of an Ancient Civilization | Rise and Fall of the Maya MEGA Episode | Nat Geo
https://youtu.be/F0zo7zwdIFM

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