Movies on Mayan civilization

Everyone has their favorite film based on ancient times. Whether it's the battle scenes, the drama, the characters, or just the sheer setting of the film, you can often feel like you're lost in another time and in another place. In case you're no film buff, read on to see what the Top 10 Films About Ancient Civilizations are.

Source: Touchstone Pictures

10. Apocalypto (2006)

Depicting the downfall of the Mayans, Apocalypto takes you through the violent struggle of Jaguar Paw, a tribesman who survived a village slaughter by a pack of raiders. During the slaughter, Jaguar Paw places his pregnant wife and son in a safe place, but he is then captured by the raiders and marched across a large Mesoamerican jungle for sacrifice. He breaks free and journeys back to find and save his family, while his captors are in hot pursuit. The story is illustrated through strong, violent visuals and through the life of a man who refuses to be bound by fate.

Source: 20th Century Fox

9. Cleopatra (1963)

With an estimate budget of nearly 5 millionin today's currency, Cleopatra is one of the most expensive movies ever produced. In fact, Elizabeth Taylor was paid $1 millionalone to star as the Egyptian queen in the film, and that was the highest sum of money paid to any female actress at the time. Cleopatra's fate is unfolded in this film as she uses tensions in the Egyptian Kingdom and Roman Empire to consolidate power and rule once and for all. The movie combines the issues of politics with love to demonstrate Cleopatra's goals, successes, and failures in her life.

Source: 20th Century Fox

8. Kingdom of Heaven (2005)

Set during the Crusades of the 12th century, Kingdom of Heaven follows the life of a French blacksmith, Bailan, who travels to Jerusalem to discover God's will and save the city from Muslim forces who seek to reclaim the Holy Land as their own. Riddled with moral complexity and filled with stunning visual effects, this is a well-crafted film that narrates the intense struggle between two dominant religions and the struggle of a man in between them.

Source: Warner Bros. Pictures

7. Excalibur (1981)

A fantasy film that leaves no stone unturned, Excalibur illustrates the life of the legendary King Arthur. From when Arthur first draws the sword Excalibur from the stone to when he wields it during the final battle with his knights against Mordred and Morgana, the action in this film is blended almost perfectly with philosophy. Filmed in beautiful areas of Ireland featuring real Norman castles, this film was nominated for an Academy Award in 1982 for Best Cinematography.

• Books on Mayan civilization
• Mesoamerican Civilization
• Religion of Mayan civilization