Time-Traveling Kids and Ancient Cultures: A 1970s TV Show

The 1970s was a golden age for children’s television, filled with fantasy and adventure. One show from around 1976 stands out with its unique premise and cultural exploration. Each episode began with a mysterious wooden bowl, covered in Aztec-like carvings, sitting on a sideboard. Rhythmic drumming and ancient music played as the bowl spun and glowed, signaling the start of the adventure.

The show followed two children who discovered the bowl’s power to transport them to a vibrant South American civilization in the past. They explored impressive architecture, including a grand step-pyramid where the rulers and priests lived.

At the base of the pyramid’s stairs was a sacrificial altar, the center of religious ceremonies and gatherings. Ornate statues and religious symbols decorated the surrounding homes and farms, all nestled within a lush jungle.

The series featured a charismatic but manipulative high-priest, played by a familiar actor, as the antagonist. This powerful figure influenced the king, using his religious authority to control decisions and, most disturbingly, to arrange human sacrifices.

The story climaxed with a clash between the children’s modern scientific knowledge and the ancient culture’s deeply held religious beliefs. A prophesied solar eclipse threatened the kingdom, leading to the choice of a sacrificial victim close to the children.

In a dramatic turn, the sacrifice was prevented at the last minute, resulting in the high-priest’s death. The eclipse passed without harm, and the season ended with the children returning home. A lingering suggestion hinted that the priest may have traveled to the future, learned about eclipses, and then used that knowledge for his own gain upon his return. This captivating children’s series expertly blended adventure, cultural exploration, and thought-provoking themes, making it a memorable part of 1970s television.