1400 years ago, traveling through the Maya rainforest was terrifying and deadly (think snakes, jaguars, and crocodiles). Now, new LiDAR scans have revealed a network of elevated ancient roads so sophisticated, some folks give aliens the credit. But the truth is much more interesting! K’awiil, visionary ruler of Coba, one of the great cities of the Maya Golden Age, built the first roads in the Americas. But did she do it to conquer her neighbors, or to help them? Join Katie on location in Coba, Mexico, with our guest Ezequiel May.

Want to learn more? Here's an informative article on K’awiil from the Yucatan Times, an authoritative article on the stelae at Coba, and an article on how the people of Coba built the road.

Illustration of K'awiil created for us by artist Mera MacKendrick.

Guest Ezequiel May lives in the community of Coba Quintana Roo Mexico. He was born in 1989 and has spent his entire life here in this beautiful town. He has been working as a tourist guide for 9 years. He feels it has been an honor to share the different archaeological investigations and the important dates that they have raised during their discovery.

Music featured in this episode was provided by Dan Bodan, Amulets, Quincas Moriera, Joey Pecorano, and ELPHNT. Portrait of K'awiil by Mera Mackendrick.

Want to help us “make history”? Become a Patron or Donate here!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices