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Mayan Temples

Related Article: Learn more about the Mayan calendar

From the Archives of Discovery: Ancient Mayan temples were built in accordance with the Mayan calendar and astronomy. Learn more about the Mayan calendar in this video.

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Mayan Temples (0:50)

From the Archives of Discovery: Ancient Mayan temples were built in accordance with the Mayan calendar and astronomy. Learn more about the Mayan calendar in this video.

The Mayan Calendar (0:35)

From the Archives of Discovery: The ancient Mayan calendar predicts eclipses, solstices and other astronomical phenomenon with shocking precision. Learn more about the Mayan calendar in this video.

Sketches of the World: Inca (3:31)

Two locations in South America where ancient Incan architecture can be found are Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley of the Incas; colonial influences on architecture are abundant in Ecuador.

Sketches of the World: The Mayas and Incas (0:39)

The Maya and the Inca, who worshiped the Sun as their supreme god, considered the natural sky to be divine.

Ancient Americans: The Aztecs (10:07)

The Aztecs developed their own mythology, writing system, trade, and cities before the arrival of conquistador Hernán Cortes in 1519.

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Assignment Discovery: Pizarro and the Incas (1:30)

Francisco Pizarro, a conquistador who searched for the Incas in Peru in 1531, took advantage of the weakened Incas and killed their leader and took their riches. Learn more about Pizarro and the Incas on Discovery Channel's "Assignment Discovery."

Peru: Machu Picchu (3:46)

In 1911, an ancient Incan monument was rediscovered on the ridge of the Andes Mountains. Machu Picchu consisted of a palace, workshops, and more than 100 stone staircases.

Peru: The Christian Church (0:45)

The Incan religion was destroyed by the conquering Spaniards and replaced with Catholicism.

Peru: The Festival of Inti Raymi (1:11)

Thousands of people from all over the world come to see the Festival of Inti Raymi, a religious holiday originally created to honor the Incan sun god.

Peru: Peruvian Baked Potatoes: A Unique Tradition (0:54)

The Incas had a unique method for cooking their potatoes using an oven made of dried mud balls.

Peru: An Agricultural Country (2:00)

The Incas domesticated more foods than any other ancient civilization. Take a look at this clip to learn more about Incan society.

Peru: The Inti Raymi Parade (1:51)

The Inti Raymi Parade is an annual tradition in which performers wear festive woven costumes while performing their ritualistic dances and chants.

Peru: Wool Weaving (1:50)

There are only a few Incan wool weavers to carry on the age-old techniques of this highly developed art form.

Peru: Cusco, the Capital of the Incan World (1:39)

For more than three centuries, Cuzco stood as the beautiful capital city of the Incas.

Peru: The Inca Empire (1:51)

More than 500 years ago, the Inca Empire was destroyed by gold-seeking Spaniards.