JamesLosAngeles Review of Breaking the Maya Code

Breaking the Maya Code (2008)

Simply Amazing! I hope teachers play this in grade school....

[9/10 · 28 October 2009]

I had some knowledge that we 'cracked' the Mayan code but I had no idea that the hieroglyphs read like a book. I assumed they were more symbolic and idea-based in nature - and somehow told a general story. The reality is that they are an actual language and when deciphered can be read like a book. UNBELIEVABLE! This program is so interesting because it shows you how the code was cracked by evolving over time with different people keying in on different things. All of a sudden someone will notice something significant such as how they represent numbers and a new door is opened. The final person who puts the last piece of the puzzle together is remarkable because of his age. And because of this person's age it makes it an incredible tool to show our youth what they are capable of and that the sky is the limit no matter who you are or where you come from. We all have great gifts - most of which will go untouched. Oh, I just wish there were more interviews/footage with the actual Mayans and their reaction to the hieroglyphs being deciphered. You could tell these people were so excited to finally understand what their ancestors were actually saying - and the footage was a little 'light' here. Regardless, a must see and must for our classrooms.