Play Episode

In 1511, a Spanish lifeboat makes land on the Yucatán coast in modern-day Mexico. Thirteen days ago, the crew's caravel was wrecked on a reef. But their adventure is far from over. Now, they are about to become some of the first Europeans to make contact with the Maya. Custodians of an ancient civilisation, at one time tens of millions of Maya people inhabited a swathe of the Americas. But who were they and what did they do? Where did they go once their society collapsed? And how are their modern-day descendants beginning to bring the past back to life?

A Noiser production, written by Dan Smith. With thanks to David Stuart, Professor of Mesoamerican Art and Writing at the University of Texas at Austin.

Listen to Ancient Civilisations The Maya

Find your next history podcast

Over 600 podcast episodes covering everything from Alexander the Great to the fridge.

When you subscribe to new episodes will be downloaded to your podcast player for free.

Step Two

Click the follow button on the player show page.

Remember you can always listen to your favourite Noiser podcasts on this website.