What could cause one of history's most powerful civilizations to abandon their magnificent cities and seemingly vanish into the jungle?

From towering pyramids to advanced mathematics, the Maya built an empire that should have lasted centuries longer than it did. Yet somewhere between 750 and 900 CE, this sophisticated civilization began to crumble. In this special episode, we'll uncover:

The latest breakthrough discoveries using LiDAR technology and climate science

The truth behind the popular myths of Maya "disappearance"

How devastating droughts, political upheaval, and environmental destruction combined to topple an empire

What recent archaeological evidence tells us about the Maya's final years

The surprising ways Maya descendants maintain their culture today

The crucial lessons their collapse holds for our own civilization

This episode brings together cutting-edge science, ancient mysteries, and modern warnings in one unforgettable story.

How did ancient humans learn to count nothing? This special episode uncovers the fascinating journey of how a simple circle changed the world forever.

From mystical Indian temples to medieval European markets, from ancient philosophical debates to modern computer code, discover how zero transformed human thought and made our modern world possible. Through engaging storytelling and expert insights, we'll explore:

The mind-bending quest to represent "nothing" in ancient civilizations

How Indian mathematicians cracked the code and invented zero

The dramatic resistance and eventual acceptance of zero across cultures

Why zero was considered dangerous by religious authorities

How this radical concept revolutionized mathematics, science, and technology

Zero's essential role in everything from your smartphone to space travel

Whether you're a math enthusiast, history buff, or just love a good origin story, this fascinating deep dive into "nothing" will change how you see everything.

In the dead of night on September 2, 1666, a simple spark in a baker's shop unleashed one of history's most transformative urban disasters. Over five days, the Great Fire of London devoured medieval Europe's largest city, leaving 100,000 homeless and reducing centuries of history to ash. But from this inferno emerged something extraordinary – the blueprint for the modern city.

Join us on this immersive six-part journey through flame-lit streets as we uncover the dramatic human stories behind London's greatest disaster. You'll hear tales of heroism and panic, political intrigue and architectural revolution. Listen as we bring to life the voices of those who lived through the catastrophe – from King Charles II wading through the streets directing firefighters, to Samuel Pepys burying his prized Parmesan cheese to save it from the flames.

We'll explore how this devastating fire birthed modern building codes, insurance systems, and firefighting methods still used today. Through expert interviews and vivid storytelling, discover how Christopher Wren transformed a medieval maze of timber into a magnificent stone capital, crowned by his masterpiece – St. Paul's Cathedral.

"Ashes to Empire" isn't just about destruction – it's about resilience, reinvention, and how catastrophe can catalyze remarkable change. Subscribe now to hear how one city's darkest moment sparked a revolution in urban living that would influence cities around the world for centuries to come.