National Geographic is exploring the scale and sophistication of the ancient Maya civilization in an upcoming archaeology special.
Produced by Wild Blue Media, Lost Treasures of the Maya Snake Kings examines the mysterious ancient Maya civilization.
A new survey of the Guatemalan jungle has mapped the ground to uncover 60,000 previously unknown structures which reveal a vast, interconnected network of cities, fortifications, farms and highways. It also shows specialized territories of agriculture which would have been capable of sustaining a large population with food.
While the archaeologists piece together the complexity and breadth of the Maya civilization, they also look at the royal dynasty responsible for ruling the vast society – the Snake Kings. This royal lineage rose to dominate the Maya world through conquest, marriage and puppet kings.
The one-off doc follows National Geographic explorer Albert Lin (pictured) as he is dropped into the jungle and hikes for miles to locate one of the newly revealed strcutures.
For Wild Blue Media, Cameron Balbirnie is executive producer while ror Nat Geo, the executive producer is Carolyn Payne. Hamish Mykura serves as EVP, programming and development and Tim Pastore is president of original programming and production.
Lost Treasures of the Maya Snake Kings premieres Feb. 6 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.