Kiva Fellow in the Field: "Who were the Mayans?"

kivafellows
3 Apr 201304:17
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRIn this educational video, Jeff Fellow explores the ancient Mayan civilization with his nephews and a guest from Nicaragua. They visit Temple Number Four in Tikal, the birthplace of the Mayans, to uncover how pyramids were constructed using limestone and simple machines. The script delves into the Mayans' astronomical knowledge, their three-tiered calendar system, and the famous ball game 'Pok-ta-Pok', which had high stakes. The video aims to educate and engage viewers on the rich history and culture of the Mayan people.

Takeaways
  • 🌏 Jeff is with his nephews and a guest, exploring the birthplace of the Mayan civilization in Tikal, Guatemala.
  • 🏛 The Mayan civilization began between 600 and 900 BC and lasted until about 700 AD, with the classic period featuring significant development.
  • 🌾 The Mayans were skilled in agriculture, particularly in cultivating corn, which allowed them to sustain large populations.
  • 🏙️ The population density of the Mayan civilization was comparable to present-day China, indicating a highly populated region.
  • 🏗️ Pyramids and temples were constructed from limestone and stucco, using simple machines like logs for transportation.
  • 🔭 The Mayans were astronomers who tracked stars and followed celestial events, which influenced their warfare strategies.
  • 🗓️ They had a complex calendar system with three types of calendars, including the 260-day Almanac, the solar year, and the Long Count.
  • 🔮 The Long Count calendar had a cycle of 5,125 years, with the most recent end date being December 21, 2012, which was believed to start a new cycle.
  • 🏉 The Mayans played a ball game called 'Pok-ta-Pok', which was both a sport and a ritual with high stakes, including potential death for the losing team.
  • 🤔 The script poses a question about the Mayan civilization but does not specify what the 'great question' is, leaving it to the viewers to ponder.
  • 📚 Jeff encourages viewers to keep asking questions and learning together, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and education.
Q & A

  • Who is the host of the video and who is accompanying him?

    -The host of the video is Jeff Fellow, and he is accompanied by his nephews Austin, Kayla, Micah, and a special guest, Mack from Nicaragua.

  • Where is the group located in the video?

    -The group is located at temple number four in Decó, which is considered the birthplace of the Mayan civilization.

  • What is the main topic of the video?

    -The main topic of the video is to explore the Mayan civilization, including their pyramids, calendar system, and cultural practices.

  • What is the time frame of the Classic Period of the Mayan civilization?

    -The Classic Period of the Mayan civilization began between 600 and 900 BC and lasted until about 700 AD.

  • What is significant about the location of the ruins found in Tikal?

    -The ruins in Tikal are significant as they represent the Classic Period of the Mayan civilization.

  • How did the Mayans manage to sustain a large population?

    -The Mayans sustained a large population by mastering the art of cultivating corn, which allowed them to support a large number of people and focus on culture, art, and construction.

  • What materials were used in the construction of Mayan pyramids and temples?

    -The Mayan pyramids and temples were constructed using limestone and stucco.

  • How did the Mayans move the heavy limestone from the quarry to the temple site?

    -The Mayans used simple machines like large logs to move the limestone from the quarry to the temple site.

  • What was the purpose of the Mayan pyramids?

    -The Mayan pyramids served multiple purposes, including shelter, strategy, and as a means to get closer to the gods.

  • How did the Mayans track celestial events and what impact did it have on their actions?

    -The Mayans tracked the stars and followed the planets, such as Venus, to determine significant actions like when to attack their enemies, a practice known as 'star war'.

  • What were the three types of calendars used by the Mayans?

    -The Mayans used three types of calendars: a 260-day Almanac, a solar year, and the Long Count calendar which had 13 baktuns and lasted for 5,125 years.

  • What was the significance of December 21st, 2012, in the Mayan calendar?

    -December 21st, 2012, marked the end of a cycle in the Mayan Long Count calendar, after which the cycle started all over again.

  • What was the Mayan ball game called and what were its implications for the players?

    -The Mayan ball game was called 'pok-ta-pok' or 'pitz', and it was a dangerous sport where players used their forearms, shoulders, or hips to get a ball through a ring. Losing could result in severe consequences, including death.

Outlines
00:00
🌟 Introduction to the Mayan Civilization

Jeff introduces the video with his nephews and a special guest, Mack, in the heart of the Mayan civilization's birthplace, Decon. The script sets out to answer a question about the Mayans by reviewing their civilization, which spanned from 600 to 900 BC to around 700 AD. The Mayans are noted for their large population, supported by their agricultural prowess, particularly in corn cultivation. They are also recognized for their cultural achievements, including the construction of large temples and pyramids made from limestone and stucco, utilizing simple machines for transportation.

🏰 The Construction of Mayan Pyramids

The script delves into the construction techniques of Mayan pyramids, which are shrouded in various theories but are known to have served as shelters, strategic points, and a means to connect with the divine. The Mayans' close relationship with the stars is highlighted, as they tracked celestial bodies like Venus to guide their actions, a practice referred to as 'star wars.' The pyramids were integral to this astronomical observation and were built using simple machines to move heavy materials from quarries to construction sites.

📅 The Mayan Calendar and Time Obsession

The Mayans' fixation with time is explored, detailing their three-calendar system: the 260-day Almanac, the solar year, and the Long Count calendar, which had a cycle of 5,125 years. The script mentions the end of a cycle on December 21, 2012, which was believed to mark the end of the world but instead signified the beginning of a new cycle. This calendar system reflects the Mayans' advanced understanding of time and their need to organize it in a complex manner.

🏉 The Mayan Ball Game: Pok-ta-Pok

The script concludes with a discussion of the Mayan ball game known as Pok-ta-Pok, a sport that was more than just physical; it held significant cultural and possibly life-or-death stakes. The game involved using the hips, shoulders, and forearms to maneuver a ball through a ring, and losing could have severe consequences, including the potential loss of one's head, illustrating the high stakes and intense nature of Mayan society.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Mayan Civilization
The Mayan Civilization refers to an advanced civilization that developed in Central America, particularly in what is now Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. It is known for its monumental architecture, including pyramids and temples, as well as its complex writing system and calendar. In the video, the Mayan Civilization is discussed as the birthplace of the civilization, highlighting its significance in the region and its cultural achievements.
💡Temple
A temple is a place of worship or religious significance. In the context of the Mayan Civilization, temples were often built as pyramids and served multiple purposes, including religious ceremonies, astronomical observations, and as a symbol of power. The script mentions 'temple number four' and the use of pyramids for shelter and to get closer to the gods, illustrating the central role of these structures in Mayan culture.
💡Classic Period
The Classic Period of the Mayan Civilization is a time frame that spans from around 600 to 900 BC to about 700 AD. It is characterized by significant advancements in architecture, art, and science. The script refers to this period as a time when the Mayans built their ruins, which can still be seen today in places like Tikal, indicating the flourishing of their civilization during this era.
💡Population Density
Population density refers to the number of people living in a given area. The script mentions that the population density of the Mayan Civilization was comparable to that of modern-day China, suggesting a large and populous society. This high density was supported by the Mayans' agricultural prowess, particularly in cultivating corn, which allowed them to sustain a large population and focus on cultural and architectural developments.
💡Limestone
Limestone is a type of sedimentary rock commonly used in construction due to its durability and ease of carving. In the video, limestone is mentioned as the primary material used in the construction of Mayan pyramids and temples. This choice of material highlights the practicality and availability of resources in the region, which contributed to the grandeur of their architectural achievements.
💡Astronomy
Astronomy is the study of celestial objects, space, and the physical universe as a whole. The Mayans were known for their advanced knowledge of astronomy, as indicated in the script by their tracking of stars and following celestial events. This knowledge was not only scientific but also had religious and military implications, as it influenced their decisions on warfare and rituals.
💡Calendar
A calendar is a system used to organize and measure time. The Mayans had multiple calendars, including a 260-day Almanac, a solar year, and a Long Count calendar. The script discusses the complexity of their calendar system, particularly the Long Count calendar, which had a cycle of 5,125 years and ended on December 21st, 2012. This focus on time and its cyclical nature was a key aspect of Mayan culture.
💡Star Wars
In the context of the Mayan Civilization, 'Star Wars' refers to the practice of using astronomical events, particularly the phases of Venus, to guide military actions. The script mentions that the Mayans would attack their enemies when Venus was in a certain phase, demonstrating how deeply their astronomical observations were integrated into their daily life and decision-making.
💡Ball Game
The Mayans played a game called 'pok-ta-pok' or 'pitz,' which was a significant part of their culture. The script describes this game as a sport played with a round ball, using the forearms, shoulders, or hips to get the ball through a hoop. The game was not just recreational but also had religious and social implications, with the potential for high stakes, including the loss of one's head if they lost.
💡Cultivating Corn
Cultivating corn refers to the agricultural practice of growing corn, a staple crop in many societies. The script mentions that the Mayans mastered the art of cultivating corn, which was crucial for sustaining their large population. This agricultural skill allowed them to focus on other aspects of their civilization, such as building and cultural development, and highlights their advanced agricultural techniques.
💡Tikal
Tikal is a major archaeological site and one of the largest cities of the Mayan Civilization. Located in present-day Guatemala, Tikal is known for its impressive ruins, which include pyramids, temples, and palaces. The script refers to Tikal as a place where the ruins of the Mayan Civilization can be found, emphasizing its importance in understanding the historical and cultural significance of the civilization.
Highlights

Jeff introduces the group and the location, temple number four in Decó, the birthplace of the Mayan civilization.

The Mayan civilization is discussed, highlighting its origins between 600 and 900 BC and lasting until about 700 AD.

The classic period of the Mayan civilization is described, with ruins found in Tikal.

The population density of the Mayan civilization is compared to that of current-day China, indicating a large population.

The Mayans' mastery of corn cultivation is noted, allowing for large populations and cultural development.

The construction of pyramids and temples from limestone and stucco is discussed, using simple machines like big logs.

Various theories about how the pyramids were built are mentioned, emphasizing their use for shelter, strategy, and connecting with the gods.

The Mayans' close relationship with the stars and their use in warfare and planning is highlighted.

The Mayans' obsession with time and their three calendars are described: the 260-day Almanac, the solar year, and the Long Count.

The significance of the Mayan calendar's end on December 21st, 2012, and the start of a new cycle is mentioned.

The game of Pok-ta-Pok, a dangerous sport played by the Mayans, is described, with the potential for losing one's head as a consequence.

The importance of the Mayan civilization in Central American history is emphasized, inviting further questions and learning.

The transcript concludes with an invitation to continue learning about the Mayan civilization and its cultural impacts.

Transcripts

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Mayan CivilizationTikal RuinsAncient PyramidsCultural HeritageAstronomyTimekeepingCalendarsCentral AmericaHistorical InsightsEducational Adventure