Ep 5. King Arthur's Lost Kingdom

In the fifth episode of season 17 of Secrets of the Dead, titled King Arthur's Lost Kingdom, experts dig into the mystery of whether or not King Arthur was a real historical figure.

The episode primarily focuses on a recent excavation of the Tintagel Castle, a site in Cornwall that has long been associated with the legendary King Arthur. The archaeologists, led by English Heritage curator Win Scutt, hope to uncover proof that the castle was once the seat of real-life Dark Age leaders who might have inspired the King Arthur character.

The episode also delves into the Arthurian legend and its impact on British culture and society. Experts interviewed comment on how the legend has influenced literature, art, and politics, and how it has evolved over time.

In addition, the show explores how interest in King Arthur and the Dark Ages has been renewed in recent years, citing popular culture works like Game of Thrones and Vikings as examples.

Viewers will learn about the various theories and debates surrounding the Arthurian legend. Some experts believe that King Arthur was a Celtic warlord who fought against the Anglo-Saxon invaders, while others argue that he is entirely fictional. There is also much discussion around the unique challenges of studying a character who may have been based on real historical figures, but whose story has been so heavily embellished over the years.

Throughout the episode, the viewer is treated to stunning footage of the Cornish landscape, including the rugged sea cliffs below the Tintagel Castle. We also see the archaeologists at work, uncovering artifacts and gathering evidence to piece together the history of this fascinating site.

In the end, viewers are left to draw their own conclusions about the reality of King Arthur. Whether or not he was a real person, the enduring power of his story and its impact on British identity remains undeniable. This episode of Secrets of the Dead provides a fascinating glimpse into the ongoing quest to uncover the truth about one of history's most intriguing figures.