Apocalypto was widely praised for its technical achievements, including its cinematography, editing, and performances. The film's use of the Maya language, as well as its attention to historical detail, were also widely praised.

The film Apocalypto is set in the late classical period of the Maya civilization, around the 8th or 9th century AD. During this time, the Maya were a thriving and complex society, known for their advanced knowledge of astronomy, mathematics, and architecture. The Maya city-states were often at war with each other, and human sacrifice was a common practice in their rituals.

The film's depiction of the Maya's brutal practices, such as human sacrifice and ritual bloodletting, is supported by historical records. The Maya believed that these practices were necessary to maintain the balance of the universe and to appease their gods. However, it is worth noting that the film's portrayal of the Maya as solely brutal and bloodthirsty has been criticized for being overly simplistic and inaccurate.