MEXICO CITY, June 29 (UPI) -- Mel Gibson is filming "Apocalypto" in a Mexican jungle, a film which may or may not be an accurate historical portrayal of the Maya's ancient civilization.
Regardless, historians and educators are looking forward to seeing his interpretation of the little-understood Mayan culture, which dominated Central America from as early as 600 B.C. to about 850 A.D. Scholars hold differing opinions about how and why the civilization collapsed, whether from war, drought or political failure, USA Today reported.
What little is known about Gibson's plot shows that historical accuracy may be sacrificed to create an exciting action adventure. "Apocalypto's" kidnapped hero escapes a mass sacrifice, the film's Web site says, although the Mayans did not practice mass sacrifice. "That was the Aztecs," archaeologist Lisa Lucero of New Mexico State University told the newspaper.
The film is also being shot in an area that was not Mayan territory, said Penn State archaeologist David Webster.
I think films like this are really funny, and they vastly help me with my teaching, " Webster said. "And students like hearing how movies get it wrong, and enjoy learning the real story," he said to USA Today.
"Apocalypto" is scheduled for release Dec. 8.
