Curated Video
Why Does Every Culture Have Myths About Trees?
New ReviewCultures around the world have venerated trees for thousands of years, often seeing them as gifts from or manifestations of Gods. With their impressive size, longevity, and ability to support life, it’s hard not to see trees as divine....
Curated Video
Aztec Mythology and the Origins of Humanity
New ReviewIf the word “Nahua” sounds unfamiliar to you, it’s probably because you’re more used to hearing them referred to as the Aztec. The history is complicated, but the name Aztec was popularized by a German explorer in the 1800s to describe...
Smarthistory
The Mesoamerican Ballgame and a Classic Veracruz yoke
Yoke, c. 1 - 900 C.E., Classic Veracruz culture, greenstone, 11.5 x 38 x 41.5 cm (American Museum of Natural History) Speakers: Dr. Rex Koontz and Dr. Steven Zucker. Created by Beth Harris and Steven Zucker.
Masaman
What on Earth Happened to the Aztecs and Mayans?
What happened to the most infamous Mesoamerican civilizations of the Aztecs and Mayans? Today we will explore two groups that have been heavily entwined for hundreds of years, yet both retain their own very distinct identities, and their...
Curated Video
Snakes: Mythology, Symbolism, and Misconceptions
This video explores the diverse cultural and mythological significance of snakes throughout history. It also discusses the modern-day issues surrounding snake keeping as pets and the misconceptions that contribute to their negative...
Curated Video
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...
Curated Video
Uses for Amaranth
For centuries, amaranth has been consumed for nutritional and medicinal purposes and used externally to treat a variety of rashes and wounds. Learn about the many uses for amaranth. Amaranth part 3/5