Exploring the Mayan World

by Edwin Barnhart

Many civilizations lived in and ruled ancient Mesoamerica before the arrival of the Spanish Empire in the 16th century. But few of these ancient peoples have so captured our imagination like the Maya. In this truly unique travel series, you’ll feel like you’re studying abroad with an accomplished archaeologist, as you immerse yourself in the past and present of the Maya.

Genres: Travel

Unknown Binding

Reviews

[Illiterate · Rating 1 out of 5]

Travel series. You might find it useful if you’re going to the Yucatan. Then again, I am and I didn’t.

[Yaaresse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unlike his academic offerings on the Mayan culture and history, this is more like something you'd find on The Travel Channel or one of National Geo's more commercial offerings. It's light, entertaining, and geared toward future tourists who are more interested in hitting the hot spots for selfies and shopping/eating than in the history or people or thinking too much about history or culture.

It all felt a bit contrived, like it was a trip to a sanitized Disneyland, up to and including the high tech light show on the side of a temple to explain the history of the place to the tourists. Got to admit, that made me feel a little uncomfortable. What contrivance will the American tourist require to spoon-feed them history next? The Easter Passion done in Harry Potter cosplay at the Vatican? A Pokomon Go hunt at Arlington National Cemetery? Virtual Reality experience at Peal Harbor? After watching Dr. Barnhart's more academic offerings on this region where he displayed deep respect toward the history and culture of the Mayan, I'm not convinced his intention with this GC was to make these people or their culture look like it was recently acquired by Disney. (It may well have been GC's intent, though. I notice their newest offerings are "more sizzle, less steak."

[Jason Holliday · Rating 3 out of 5]

I may have only given the title 3 stars, but for me that's a pretty high rating. I felt this program was a fine compliment to Dr B's academic programs and was respectful and entertaining yet still educational from a travel angle. I think he cares greatly about the Mayan people and culture and it shows in all of his great content. I thought the light show on the pyramid was a great way to create interest in history and unique way to tell a story. Finding ways to create interest and reach more people is needed to fund and preserve these great sites. Some people may not like commercializing certain aspects of history, but I believe it is quite necessary. I watched this and all Dr Barnhart's courses that were offered through my subscription to The Great Courses signature collection on prime video. I got most of The Great Courses content through audible on sale until I found the TGC subscription for 7 per month. I mention this in case other people aren't aware of how to get some TGC content for under $10 per course or 7 per month for many courses. It certainly helps make the educational content available to more people.

[Biblioworm · Rating 2 out of 5]

Удивительно, как это прошло контроль качества The Great Courses.

Это вообще не лекции а что-то типа того, что крутят на Travel+Adventure.

Путешествие среднего туриста. Добро что это профессор, но на "лекциях" это практически не сказывается.
Вот тут классные тако, а тут плетут сомбреро для туристов. А тут, какая прелесть, дети учатся писать свое имя иероглифами Майя.

И это не минутные отступления от рассказа историка, как, например, в великолепной лекции Essential Italy. Просто показывающие, что профессор живой человек, не только досконально знающий историю. В данном случае это основное содержание "лекций". И лишь иногда, явно случайно, Эдвин говорит о чем-то из истории Майя.

Оценил не в одну звезду, потому что какое-то ощущение от Юкатана, древней цивилизации Майя, чуть-чуть проглядывает сквозь все это.

Но в целом - лучше уж смотрите по телевизору любую из бесконечных "Поедем, поедим".

[Tom Axworthy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a travel- oriented Great course of 8 lectures which has many moments of interest but is lacking in context and structure for those who do not already have a grounding in Mayan history.Edwin Barnhart has an engaging personality , obviously knows and loves Mayan culture and has many friends in the region( we see him eating Mayan dishes,drinking Mayan chocolate, buying a Panama hat etc).But as he visits sites he gives little history on the places and dates and uses terms that had to be looked up to be understood.This is a useful course for tourists but not for students of history.