Did Zazil-Ha know that her rebellious love affair would save not just her kingdom, but the entire Yucatec Maya for a generation? Together with her shipwrecked Spanish husband, Zazil-Ha built a life beyond anything the 16th-century world could imagine. Preparing her people for a Spanish invasion, she created a future for the Maya that was radically new. And in the process, she became the brave, strong mother of the mestizo race. Katie interviews Gabriel Cemé, on location in Yucatan, Mexico. A complete transcript of this episode is available here. Guest Gabriel Cemé is native Maya of Akumal, Mexico with a passion for history. Gabo traveled the globe for years before returning to the Yucatan to cultivate his deep relationship with the land. With his company, Eco Maya’s Animal Sanctuary, he works to rehabilitate wild animals for their release back into the wild. Eco Maya aims to foster ecologically sustainable tourism to the Yucatan. Music for this episode by permission of Musica Maya, Jeff Cuno, Chris Haugen, Ricardo Lozano, Jorge Ramos, Savik, and the Mini Vandals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices