Horizon Season 2001 Episode 1 The Mystery of the Miami Circle

In the first episode of the 2001 season of Horizon, titled "The Mystery of the Miami Circle," viewers are taken on a journey to uncover the history and meaning behind an ancient and mysterious circle found in Miami, Florida. The Miami Circle is a perfectly round, 38-foot diameter circle made of 24 carved basalt blocks that was discovered in 1998 during the demolition of a nearby apartment building.

The episode begins by showcasing the initial reactions of the archaeologists and historians when they first saw the Miami Circle. The experts are astounded by the circle's pristine condition and the fact that it has remained hidden for so long. They become determined to discover the purpose of the circle, who built it and when, and what it means.

The digging begins with the surface layer, and the excavation team makes some critical findings, including pottery shards, animal remains, and human bone fragments. They also discover that the Miami Circle was built during the Tequesta American Indian period, which dates back over 2000 years. But the team still doesn't understand the purpose of the circle or how it was used.

The team decides to bring in a geophysicist, who uses remote sensing technology to map the soil beneath the circle. This process reveals many indicators of the Tequesta settlement, including post-holes, pits, and mounds. They believe that the Miami Circle was once part of a larger settlement, and this knowledge helps the experts piece together the history of the people who lived here so long ago.

As the team continues to dig deeper, they find more clues to the circle's possible purpose. For example, using computer-generated images, they discover that the Miami Circle aligns perfectly with the summer solstice, leading them to believe that it might have had astronomical significance. They also uncover evidence that the Tequesta people practiced ritual burial in the area, and they speculate that the Miami Circle could have played some role in funerary rites.

Throughout the episode, the experts explore various theories about the Miami Circle's meaning and purpose. For example, some experts suggest that it might have served as the foundation for a Tequesta temple or priestly podium. Others speculate that it could have been a "dance circle" for religious or social functions. Regardless of its purpose, it's clear that the Miami Circle was a significant structure built by an advanced civilization that existed long before Miami became the bustling city it is today.

Overall, "The Mystery of the Miami Circle" is a fascinating episode that showcases the work of archaeologists and historians as they strive to uncover the secrets of the past. The Miami Circle is a vital piece of American history, and this episode provides insight into the incredible minds and skills of the Tequesta people who built it so long ago. It's a reminder that there are still many mysteries to uncover about our past, and the Miami Circle is just one of them.