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When Civilizations End: Ancient Chiribaya Mummies

Related Article: Learn more about South America.

Archaeologists use x-rays and an endoscope to investigate the mummies to learn more about the culture.
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Mayan Temples

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

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: Merida

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: Inca

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: Chavin de Huantar

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

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

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Bone Detectives: Mayan Worship

Bone Detectives: Mayan Worship (1:44)

Watch as Scotty learns about Mayan religious practices in this clip from Discovery's "Bone Detectives" series.

Bone Detectives: Mayan Cemetery

Bone Detectives: Mayan Cemetery (2:02)

In order to better understand a Mayan sacrifice, Scotty travels to a Mayan cemetery in this clip from Discovery's "Bone Detectives" series.

Assignment Discovery: Tzakbu Ajaw as Red Queen

Assignment Discovery: Tzakbu Ajaw as Red Queen (2:15)

Discovery Channel's "Assignment Discovery" investigates the possibilities for the identity of the Mayan Red Queen mummy. This time it's Tzakbu Ajaw, the wife of the great ruler Pacal.

Assignment Discovery: Sak K'uk' as the Red Queen

Assignment Discovery: Sak K'uk' as the Red Queen (2:50)

One of the possible identities of the Red Queen mummy is Sak K'uk'. She was one of the most important women in Palenque's history. Learn more on Discovery Channel's "Assignment Discovery."

Assignment Discovery: The Mayan Red Queen Mummy

Assignment Discovery: The Mayan Red Queen Mummy (2:33)

On Discovery Channel's "Assignment Discovery," learn about the Mayan Red Queen mummy found in Southern Mexico at the Mayan archaeological site of Palenque.

Assignment Discovery: Queen Tzakbu Ajaw

Assignment Discovery: Queen Tzakbu Ajaw (2:52)

Tzakbu Ajaw was one of the Queens of Palenque that could be the Red Queen mummy. She was originally from a different location and married to the great ruler Pacal. Learn more about Tzakbu Ajaw on Discovery Channel's "Assignment Discovery."

Discover Magazine: Mayans Beliefs

Discover Magazine: Mayans Beliefs (2:13)

Based on murals and the Dresden Codex, we know that the Mayans predicted the appearance of Venus as Kukulcan who would provide information concerning war and sacrifice. Learn more about the Mayans on Discovery Channel's "Discover Magazine."

Discover Magazine: Mayans and Venus

Discover Magazine: Mayans and Venus (2:41)

Venus was the Mayan god of death and rebirth. Learn more about the importance of Venus worship to the Mayan culture on Discovery Channel's "Discover Magazine."

Discover Magazine: Pyramid of the Feathered Serpent

Discover Magazine: Pyramid of the Feathered Serpent (2:38)

John Carlson, an archaeoastronomer, offers a glimpse into the Pyramid of the Feathered Serpent. Learn more about this structure and Mayan culture on Discovery Channel's "Discover Magazine."

Discover Magazine: Mayan Human Sacrifice

Discover Magazine: Mayan Human Sacrifice (2:11)

Evidence from excavations, clay figurines and sacrificial knives reveals to archaeologists the traditional ritual of sacrificing women and babies to the gods. Learn more about this Mayan ritual on Discovery Channel's "Discover Magazine."