Engineering an Empire (2005)

Episode Overview

At its peak, this enigmatic civilization commanded a vast area of 125,000 square miles, spanning parts of Guatemala, Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, and Belize. What started as a small group of hunters and gatherers evolved into over forty thriving city-states, known for their towering temple-pyramids, elaborate palaces, and sophisticated water management systems. What were their origins, and what disasters led to their decline? This episode will explore the remarkable architecture and infrastructure of the ancient Maya civilization, highlighting sites like the Temple-Pyramids at Tikal, the royal tomb in Palenque, and the astronomical observatory at Chichen Itza.