Ep 10. The Desert Cross

In America Unearthed season 1 episode 10, titled "The Desert Cross," forensic geologist Scott Wolter travels to a remote desert in the Southwest United States to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a 12-foot tall cross. The cross was discovered in 1934 by a prospector named James D. Huddleston who claimed to have unearthed it from beneath a sand dune during a violent sandstorm. The cross had unique inscriptions on it, including a Latin phrase, which translated to "The Cross of Christ."

Wolter contends that the origin of the cross is associated with the Knights Templar, a medieval Christian military order whose strongholds spanned across Europe and the Middle East. According to Wolter, the Knights Templar are rumored to have fled to North America with their treasure after being disbanded by the Pope in the 14th century and that the desert cross is one of their remnants.

Wolter meets up with local historian Richard Smith, who shows him a 1936 photograph of the cross and provides historical background on its discovery. The two men explore the desert area where the cross was said to have been buried, but their search ends in vain. They also interview a local rancher who recalls seeing the cross as a child but cannot provide additional details.

Wolter proceeds to analyze the inscriptions on the cross and gathers information from his research on the Knights Templar. He finds a possible connection between the Latin phrase and a famous Templar manuscript named the "Rite of Circumcision." Wolter also turns to an expert on medieval torture and execution methods to determine whether the crucifixion depicted on the cross is an accurate representation.

In the final part of the episode, Wolter travels to Texas to interview a man who claims to have knowledge of the desert cross. The man shows Wolter a photograph of the cross, purportedly taken in 1956, and provides a detailed description of the cross's previous location. Wolter follows up on the man's information, but after searching the area extensively, he finds no evidence of the cross's existence.

"The Desert Cross" is an intriguing episode that delves into the mysteries surrounding the Knights Templar and their alleged presence in North America. Wolter's investigation is thorough and engaging, and the episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of forensic geology and historical research. Whether or not the desert cross is a genuine Templar artifact remains a mystery, but "The Desert Cross" is a captivating exploration of this enigma.