Back to Show
Watch Preview
NOVA
Ancient Maya Metropolis
Season 48
Episode 22
The ancient ancestors of today’s Maya people thrived in large sophisticated cities across Central America for centuries. Why, around 750 CE, did they begin to abandon many of their major cities? Archaeologists investigate dramatic new evidence of the catastrophic droughts and instability that pushed cities beyond their limits.
Support Provided By
53:38
Explore mammals’ surprising origins, long before the age of dinosaurs.
53:39
Do speech buttons really allow dogs to talk to us? Scientists investigate.
53:39
New evidence sheds light on the remarkable life—and mysterious collapse—of the ancient jungle city.
Unlock with PBS Passport
53:31
What if violent asteroid impacts actually jump-started life on Earth? Explore a dramatic theory.
Unlock with PBS Passport
53:41
See how ingenuity and teamwork keep the crew alive and doing science 250 miles above Earth.
Unlock with PBS Passport
53:40
Astronauts and Mission Control relive terrifying moments during construction of the ISS.
53:28
Find out why deadly flash floods are on the rise and how we can protect ourselves from them.
53:21
Explore mysterious 9,000-year-old Stone Age megastructures found in the Arabian Desert.
Unlock with PBS Passport
53:32
Discover how two revolutionary ancient inventions changed the course of humanity forever.
Unlock with PBS Passport
53:25
Follow ancient humans’ journey into an icy and perilous new land.
Unlock with PBS Passport
53:27
Discover how Homo sapiens outlasted Neanderthals – and how they helped make us who we are today.
Unlock with PBS Passport
53:25
Follow Homo sapiens as they venture out of Africa and spread farther than any other human species.