America Unearthed Season 2 Episode 9 Mystery of the Serpents

In America Unearthed season 2 episode 9, titled "Mystery of the Serpents," host Scott Wolter explores the possibility that ancient Native American artifacts found in the southeastern United States suggest contact with a pre-Columbian culture from Central or South America. Wolter sets out to uncover the truth behind two serpent effigies discovered in the 1800s in Ohio and Georgia and an artifact referred to as the "Mayan Headdress," found in a cave in Illinois.

The episode begins with Wolter examining the serpent effigy discovered in Ohio, known as the Adams Serpent, which is believed to date back to between 500 BC and 200 AD. He meets with Ohio's state archaeologist, Bradley Lepper, who explains that the serpent's body is adorned with intricate designs that suggest contact with cultures from the Gulf Coast of Mexico. Wolter then travels to Georgia to examine the Nodena serpent effigy, which he believes has similar cultural connections.

Wolter's investigation also takes him to Illinois, where he explores a cave that contains the Mayan Headdress. The headdress, which dates back to the late 13th or early 14th century, is made of copper and shell, and features intricate engravings that suggest Mayan influence. Wolter speaks with archaeologists who believe that the headdress was obtained by the Mississippian culture through trade or conquest.

Throughout the episode, Wolter uncovers evidence that suggests that the artifacts were not created by the indigenous cultures of the southeastern United States, but rather by a culture from Central or South America that made contact with the region long before Columbus arrived. Wolter interviews experts in the fields of anthropology and archaeology who support his theory, and he examines similarities between the serpent effigies and those found in Mexico and Central America.

As Wolter delves deeper into the mystery of the serpents, he discovers evidence that suggests the presence of a pre-Columbian culture in the southeastern United States. He explores the possibility of a connection between this culture and the ancient Maya, who were known to trade as far north as the Ohio River Valley. The episode ends with Wolter considering the implications of this discovery and what it means for our understanding of the history of North America.

Overall, "Mystery of the Serpents" is a fascinating exploration of the possibility of early contact between cultures in North and Central America. From serpent effigies to a Mayan headdress, Wolter uncovers evidence that suggests a previously unknown pre-Columbian civilization may have once existed in the southeastern United States. With interviews from experts and stunning visuals of the artifacts in question, this episode of America Unearthed is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of the Americas.