Step back in time and into the fascinating world of the Ancient Maya. Together we will explore their major cities, including Tikal and Palenque, and their major achievements in writing, astronomy and agriculture. You will also gain insight into their daily life, beliefs and practices, including the importance of cacao, a treasured drink in a form of Currency. We will use stories and images to guide us on our armchair travel adventure through Central America.

Your Tutor is Lisa Dunbar

Dr. Lisa Dunbar Solas commenced with the WEA in 2025.

Lisa is a researcher, educator and artist with a deep passion for Andean culture, myth and religion. 

Her interdisciplinary research focuses on investigating the relationship between sacred landscapes, ceremonial practices and ancient beliefs.

In 2007, she conducted an architectural survey of the historic zone of Cuzco, the capital of the Incan empire, for her honours dissertation. She later earned a PhD in Archaeology from the Australian National University in 2015, focusing on Incan sacrifice, myth and sacred landscapes.

She has presented her research at international conferences, including the Australia National Gallery's Gold and the Inca exhibition in 2014. She has also taught university-level archaeology, sharing her knowledge of ancient Andean civilisations.