A History of the World in 100 Objects Maya relief of royal blood-letting
Jun 14, 2010
Explore the power and intrigue of the ancient Maya royal courts with a limestone relief carving depicting a king and his wife engaged in ritual bloodletting. Learn about the enigmatic abandoned cities and ultimate collapse of the Maya civilization. Discover the symbolism of self-inflicted pain and the consequences of a queen's self-mortification. Uncover the significance of bloodletting in Maya culture and the ongoing efforts of the Maya people to preserve their heritage after the decline of their civilization.
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
1 2 3 4 5
Introduction
00:00 • 2min
A Maya Relief Depicting Devotional Partnership and Power
02:28 • 2min
Deciphering Maya Monuments and the Symbolism of Self-Inflicted Pain
04:54 • 4min
Maya Relief of Royal Blood-Letting
08:40 • 2min
The Decline of the Maya Civilization and the Restoration of Mayan Culture
11:00 • 3min