Ep 19. King John's Jewels

Expedition Unknown is an American reality television series that follows the adventures of host Josh Gates as he travels the world investigating unsolved mysteries and legends. In this particular episode, titled "King John's Jewels," Gates travels to England in search of the lost treasure of King John.

King John was the King of England from 1199 until his death in 1216. He is perhaps best known for signing the Magna Carta, a document that limited the power of the monarchy and paved the way for democracy. However, King John was also infamous for his cruelty and greed. Legend has it that he amassed a vast treasure during his reign, including priceless jewels and gold, which he kept hidden from the public.

Gates meets with various experts and historians in England to gain information about the treasure, its contents, and its potential whereabouts. He learns that King John's treasure has been the subject of speculation and search for centuries, with many treasure hunters claiming to have found it. However, none of these claims have ever been substantiated.

Gates begins his search at the site of King John's death, an abbey in Newark. It is believed that the king was buried along with his treasure at the abbey, but the exact location of his tomb is unknown. Gates and his team use ground-penetrating radar to explore the area, hoping to find any anomalies that could signal the presence of a tomb.

They also visit various historical sites associated with King John, such as the Tower of London and Windsor Castle. While at Windsor Castle, Gates has the opportunity to examine the royal jewels, which are on display to the public. He learns about the history of English jewels and the significance of certain pieces, such as the Imperial State Crown.

Throughout the episode, Gates also delves into the personality and character of King John. He speaks with historians and reads historical documents to gain a better understanding of the king's life and reign. He learns that while King John was despised by many, he was also a capable leader and strategist.

As the episode progresses, Gates and his team make some intriguing discoveries. They uncover a possible link between King John's treasure and the Knights Templar, a powerful religious and military order that existed during the Middle Ages. They also delve into the legend of Robin Hood, a folk hero who was said to have stolen from the rich to give to the poor, and who, according to some accounts, may have had a connection to King John's treasure.

Despite these promising leads, Gates and his team are ultimately unable to locate the lost treasure of King John. However, the episode ends on a positive note, as Gates reflects on the history and culture of England, and the enduring allure of treasure hunting.

Overall, "King John's Jewels" is a fascinating and informative episode of Expedition Unknown. It combines elements of history, archaeology, and adventure, and provides viewers with a glimpse into the world of treasure hunting and the mysteries of the past.