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History KS2 / KS3: History of Early Civilisations

BBC Teach > Primary Resources / Secondary Resources > History KS2 / History KS3

Through parodies of reality TV shows, this entertaining series introduces different aspects of the ancient Maya civilisation and different aspects of life in the Islamic Golden Age, circa AD900.

This series is suitable for teaching History at Key Stages 2 and 3 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and Second and Third Level in Scotland.

Maya Civilisation

Jobs in Maya civilisation
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Jobs in Maya civilisation

This entertaining reality TV parody gives an insight into traditional Maya jobs, social structure and career expectations.

Fashion in Maya civilisation
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Fashion in Maya civilisation

This entertaining reality TV parody shows traditional male and female Maya clothing, as well as fashion accessories and body decoration in different social groups.

What did Maya houses & buildings look like?
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What did Maya houses & buildings look like?

In this entertaining reality TV parody, a labourer designs, builds and furnishes his nah, or traditional Maya home.

Mayan Innovations & Inventions
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Mayan Innovations & Inventions

Maya inventors present their ideas to a panel of entrepreneurs, hoping for an investment of cacao beans, in this entertaining reality TV parody.

What did the Maya eat?
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What did the Maya eat?

This entertaining reality TV parody introduces traditional Maya diet, ingredients and food preparation.

 

Islamic Golden Age, circa AD900

Jobs in 900AD Baghdad
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Jobs in 900AD Baghdad

This entertaining reality TV parody introduces AD900 Baghdad and the typical occupations for both men and women, touching on how women were respected but lacked influence in early Islamic society.

Great Fashion in Baghdad 900AD
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Great Fashion in Baghdad 900AD

This entertaining reality TV parody shows traditional male and female Islamic clothing circa AD900, as two plainly clothed merchants prepare to visit the House of Wisdom.

How Houses looked in Baghdad 900AD
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How Houses looked in Baghdad 900AD

In this entertaining reality TV parody, a nomad has decided to settle down in AD900 Baghdad. He designs, builds and furnishes his traditional family house.

Invention & Innovation in Baghdad 900AD
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Invention & Innovation in Baghdad 900AD

Insight into Islamic innovations and inventions in a parody of a popular reality TV show.

What food did they eat in Baghdad 900AD
video

What food did they eat in Baghdad 900AD

This entertaining reality TV parody introduces early Islamic diet, ingredients and food preparation circa AD900.