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Sketches of the World: Maya and Toltec

Related Article: Learn more about the Toltec Indians.

Mayan architecture, especially its temples and palaces, clearly evokes influence from the Toltec civilization.

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Sketches of the World: Chavin de Huantar (0:27)

Chavin de Huantar is an ancient settlement in Peru, dating back 3,000 years.

Sketches of the World: Merida (0:28)

The city of Merida in Mexico is home to structures built by conquistadors that graphically display colonial oppression.

Sketches of the World: Maya and Toltec (1:33)

Mayan architecture, especially its temples and palaces, clearly evokes influence from the Toltec civilization.

Colonial Frontier: The Spanish Arrive (1:03)

In an effort to colonize South America before the other European nations, Spain destroyed most of the civilizations they encountered.

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.

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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.