Lost Cities of the Maya

What ancient secrets lie hidden beneath the jungle canopy? How do archaeologists uncover lost cities and decode the lives of those who built them? In this episode of Ignition Sequence, host John Murphy is joined by Dr. Ivan Šprajc, a world-renowned archaeologist, archaeoastronomer, and expert in Mesoamerican studies, to delve into the extraordinary discovery of ancient Maya cities buried deep in the Yucatán jungle. Using cutting-edge tools like LiDAR, Dr. Šprajc shares stories of adventure, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of understanding a civilization that once thrived in a challenging environment. What you’ll learn: 1. Uncovering Lost Cities The thrilling process of locating and exploring Maya ruins hidden for centuries beneath dense jungle foliage. 2. LiDAR: A Game-Changer in Archaeology How advanced laser technology reveals ancient cityscapes and agricultural systems with unprecedented detail. 3. The Maya’s Celestial Blueprint Discover how Maya cities were designed in harmony with the stars, reflecting their deep astronomical knowledge. 4. Life and Collapse Insights into how the Maya adapted to environmental challenges and the factors that led to their civilization’s decline. 5. The Lasting Legacy of the Maya How the discoveries of today reshape our understanding of the past and continue to inspire the future of archaeology. Join us for an exploration of mystery, discovery, and the human drive to uncover the stories of those who came before us.