The rise and fall of the Maya Empire’s most powerful city - Geoffrey E. Braswell
295,466 Views
2,063 Questions Answered
TEDEd Animation
Let’s Begin…
During the 8th century CE, warfare and failing agriculture forced Maya people to move north, to hotter, drier Yucatán. Because of its freshwater access, Chichen Itza became the most powerful Maya city, with nearly 50,000 citizens at its height. But the region presented its own challenges and the city's golden age wouldn’t last forever. Geoffrey E. Braswell traces the city's rise and fall.
What makes a civilization “great” or “successful”? Is it the monuments they build, their science and technology, the works of art they produce, or the way they treat their people? Were the Maya of Chichen Itza a great civilization, and are we?
Sign in to answer questionAbout TED-Ed Animations
TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »
Meet The Creators
- Educator Geoffrey E. Braswell
- Director Hernando Bahamon, Globizco
- Narrator Adrian Dannatt
- Composer Manuel Borda
- Sound Designer Manuel Borda
- Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
- Produced by Abdallah Ewis
- Editorial Director Alex Rosenthal
- Editorial Producer Cella Wright
- Script Editor Stephanie Honchell Smith
- Fact-Checker Charles Wallace
