Ep 17. Secrets of the First Americans

Unearthed season 6 episode 17, titled "Secrets of the First Americans," takes viewers on a journey to explore the history and culture of the indigenous people of North America. The episode delves into the fascinating discoveries made by archaeologists and historians that have shed light on the ancient civilizations that existed on the continent long before the arrival of Europeans.

The show begins by introducing viewers to the Clovis people, who were the first known humans to inhabit North America. Archaeologists have discovered war weapons and other artifacts that suggest the Clovis were skilled hunters and that they had a complex social structure. However, much about their society remains mysterious, and the show delves into the questions that remain about these ancient people.

The episode then moves on to explore other civilizations that came after the Clovis, such as the Ancestral Puebloans, who built impressive dwellings in the cliffs of what is now New Mexico. The show takes viewers into a vast network of caves that were inhabited by the Ancestral Puebloans and shows how they carved out rooms and built structures using only stone tools.

The episode also touches on the decline of some of these ancient civilizations and the factors that may have contributed to their downfall. For example, the show explores the theory that the Ancestral Puebloans were forced to abandon their dwellings due to a prolonged drought, which made it impossible to grow crops and sustain their society.

As the episode progresses, viewers learn about other Native American cultures, from the Mississippian people who built a network of elaborate mounds and structures to the Hohokam people who created advanced irrigation systems that allowed them to thrive in the desert.

The show also touches on the impact of European contact on these ancient cultures, and how the arrival of explorers and settlers fundamentally changed the course of Native American history. The episode highlights the forced displacement of tribes, the purposeful destruction of cultural artifacts, and the long-lasting effects of colonization on these communities.

In addition to exploring ancient civilizations and their legacies, the episode also showcases the work of modern-day archaeologists and researchers who are dedicated to uncovering the secrets of the First Americans. It takes viewers to dig sites across the continent and showcases the painstaking process of analyzing artifacts and piecing together the mysteries of the past.

"Secrets of the First Americans" is a captivating and informative episode of Unearthed that offers a deep dive into the ancient and complex history of the native peoples of North America. Through stunning visuals, expert interviews, and fascinating discoveries, the show illuminates the legacy of these ancient civilizations and underscores the importance of studying our shared human history.