SciShow
Corn Shouldn't Be Food, But It Is
You probably have a bag of frozen corn in your freezer, or have chowed down on a buttery ear of corn at a cookout. But not only did it take thousands of years for humans to domesticate teosinte to corral it into what we now know as corn,...
SciShow
Why Avocados Shouldn't Exist
The avocado is highly regarded by many people as delicious and nutritious, but the most extraordinary thing about avocados may be their very existence.
Crash Course
Medieval China: Crash Course History of Science
Like Egypt, Sumer, and Mesoamerica, ancient China represents a hydraulic civilization—one that maintained its population by diverting rivers to aid in irrigation—and one that developed writing thousands of years ago. Today, we’re going...
TED-Ed
TED-Ed: How corn conquered the world | Chris A. Kniesly
Corn currently accounts for more than one tenth of our global crop production. And over 99% of cultivated corn is the exact same type: Yellow Dent #2. This means that humans grow more Yellow Dent #2 than any other plant on the planet. So...
SciShow
Calendars, Codes & Virgins: 3 Myths About the Maya
Hank talks about the Maya, and helps dispel some myths about their historic civilization, revealing how, ultimately, they were just like us: smart, flawed, and awesome.
TED-Ed
TED-ED: The history of chocolate - Deanna Pucciarelli
If you can't imagine life without chocolate, you're lucky you weren't born before the 16th century. Until then, chocolate only existed as a bitter, foamy drink in Mesoamerica. So how did we get from a bitter beverage to the chocolate...
Curated Video
Mayan Civilization for Kids
Learn about the Mayan Civilization and their powerful empire that spread across ancient Mesoamerica.
60 Second Histories
What happened to the Ancient Maya?
An explorer discusses some of the reasons why the Maya civilization may have disappeared
60 Second Histories
Maya mathematics
This short video takes a brief look at the Ancient Maya numbering system which was based on 20 rather than 10 like ours is now.
Bedtime History
The Golden Age of Mayan Civilization
The Mayan Empire once flourished in the dense rainforests of what are now southern Mexico and Central America. Over centuries, the Mayans acquired the elements of an advanced civilization, including large cities, an organized priesthood,...
Next Animation Studio
Archeologists document first use of maize as food in Mesoamerica: study
Archeologists may have found out when cave-dwelling prehistoric Mesoamericans began eating maize as a staple, according to a new study in Science Advances.
Step Back History
Did Native Americans have Calendars?
You asked for more indigenous technologies, and so today I’m going to tell you about how native american peoples kept track of time.
Curated Video
The Fascinating History and Importance of Maize
Maize is believed to have first been domesticated and cultivated 9000 years ago in the Central Balsas region of Mexico. Learn about the genetic makeup of maize and its significance for the Mayan Empire. Maize part 1/5
Curated Video
Teotihuacan
One of the greatest civilisations ever built in the history. With all the advancements in the Messo America period, the culture depicted mysterious beliefs and practices. it may have been one of the most influential regions of the time.
Curated Video
Amaranth: From Ancient Staple to Modern Superfood
This video explores the fascinating history and resilience of the ancient grain, amaranth. From its origins in Mesoamerica and its importance to the Aztec civilization, to its condemnation by the Spanish conquistadors and subsequent...
Religion for Breakfast
Aztec Religion Explained
In this episode we examine the topic: Aztec Religion Explained
60 Second Histories
Maya medicine
A Maya woman talks about medicine, doctors, midwives and healers; also a look at the illnesses and treatments they used.
60 Second Histories
Maya building techniques
This short video explains some of the building techniques and the tools the Ancient Maya used
60 Second Histories
Maya hieroglyphs
An explorer looks at the Ancient Maya form of writing, the hieroglyphs and a mention of the Dresden Codex
60 Second Histories
Who were the Ancient Maya?
This short video gives an overview of the Maya people: where they originated and where they lived.
Weird History
Discovery of the Aztec Emperor's Tomb
The Templo Mayor excavation in present-day Mexico City has unearthed an exciting site; in March 2019, archaeologists found a cache of sacrifices and offerings that may indicate the burial of royalty. The trove was discovered near the...
Bedtime History
The History of Chocolate
Chocolate is not just a delicious treat, but a relic of the ancient Mesoamerican civilizations where it was first developed. Early indigenous groups ground dried cacao beans into powder to mix with water. Some believed chocolate was a...
Weird History
What Everyday Life Was Like for the Aztecs
You may have heard of their calendars, seen their temples, or admired one of their cool looking sculptural artifacts in a museum, but chances are you have no idea what life was really like for the Aztecs.
TED-Ed
How Corn Conquered the World
Corn is amazing! A short video traces the development of the most-grown plant on the globe, from its beginnings in Mesoamerica to its many uses beyond as a food stable.