Video summary
Petro, Diaco, Donnel and Hedia form the panel of steely potential investors with cacao beans to present to Maya inventors, if they can impress the panel with their products.
The products are real Mayan innovations and include jewellery, a “world first” in agricultural irrigation, a load-carrying tumpline, and the complex Maya calendar.
Contrasts are made with British civilisation at the time.
This short film is from the BBC series, History of Early Civilisations - Maya. Through parodies of reality TV shows, this series introduces different aspects of the Maya civilisation.
Teacher Notes
Research a range of Maya inventions.
Compare to innovations, for example in agriculture, in Britain in the same era (for example, a horse collar).
Compile a class glossary of Maya terms.
Create a crossword with definitions.
Create own models for museum display, with captions.
Plan own Lions’ Lair programme and critique other areas of Maya life seen in these short films about fashion, buildings, etc.
This short film is suitable for teaching history at Key Stages 2 and 3 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and Second and Third Level in Scotland.
Maya Civilisation
Jobs in Maya civilisation. video
This entertaining reality TV parody gives an insight into traditional Maya jobs, social structure and career expectations.
Fashion in Maya civilisation. video
This entertaining reality TV parody shows traditional male and female Maya clothing, as well as fashion accessories and body decoration in different social groups.
What did the Maya eat? video
This entertaining reality TV parody introduces traditional Maya diet, ingredients and food preparation.
What did Maya houses & buildings look like? video
In this entertaining reality TV parody, a labourer designs, builds and furnishes his nah, or traditional Maya home.
Islamic Golden Age, circa AD900
Jobs in 900AD Baghdad. video
This entertaining reality TV parody introduces AD900 Baghdad and the typical occupations for both men and women, touching on how women were respected but lacked influence in early Islamic society.
Great Fashion in Baghdad 900AD. video
This entertaining reality TV parody shows traditional male and female Islamic clothing circa AD900, as two plainly clothed merchants prepare to visit the House of Wisdom.
How Houses looked in Baghdad 900AD. video
In this entertaining reality TV parody, a nomad has decided to settle down in AD900 Baghdad. He designs, builds and furnishes his traditional family house.
Invention & Innovation in Baghdad 900AD. video
Insight into Islamic innovations and inventions in a parody of a popular reality TV show.
What food did they eat in Baghdad 900AD. video
This entertaining reality TV parody introduces early Islamic diet, ingredients and food preparation circa AD900.
