25min chapter

Lex Fridman Podcast cover image

#446 – Ed Barnhart: Maya, Aztec, Inca, and Lost Civilizations of South America

Lex Fridman Podcast

CHAPTER

Decoding the Maya: Language and Civilization

This chapter explores the complexities of the Maya writing system and the historical journey of deciphering its hieroglyphs, including the groundbreaking contributions of a Russian scholar. It examines the paradox of a single writing system giving rise to multiple languages and discusses the unique recording devices known as Khipu used by Andean cultures. Additionally, it highlights the societal structures of the Maya and factors leading to their civilization's decline and transformation.

00:00

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode