The Beginning in the year 250 AD, the Mayan culture of Central America reached new heights of civilization.

Marked by outstanding advances. new heights of civilization.

Marked by outstanding advancements in art, science, and architecture, this period is referred to as the Mayan Classic period.

Also during this time, modern scientists have identified a widespread cultural practice of cranial

defamation whose origins seem to be deeply rooted in humanity's past.

From the many examples of art dated to this period,

archaeologists have been able to form theories that link this practice within the Mayan civilization to a complex social hierarchy that incorporated two very different techniques for the shaping of their skulls.

Some scientists cite the analysis of artistic depictions from the period

that some of these techniques were meant to imitate the skulls of sacred animals like the Jaguar which represented power.

Other scientists point to the paintings of the god of fertility

and the other members of the Mayan pantheon which were drawn with similar cranial modifications.

This practice of shaping skulls is not only found among the cultures of Central America.

All over the world cultures both ancient and even in isolated

pockets today have practiced these techniques for shaping their skulls as some say they were

commanded by the gods long ago.

This case file joined the theorists as they bang their heads and try to uncover the mystery

of... elongated skulls. Oh, Welcome to Alien Thee theorist, theorizing Case File 173, elongated skulls. I'm Braden. I'm Zell. I'm Dan.

And I'm Andrew. The boys are back in town.

If you're listening to this, we have a second show out called Cosmic Channel's,

which is going to make its triumphant return for season 2, January 31st at

630 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. You can call in with your stories at 1833 70304-24 and you can search

cosmic channels on Spotify or wherever else you get podcasts and check us out January 31st where we're back in action.

...