What on Earth? Season 11 Episode 6 Circles of the High Kings

In the eleventh season of the documentary series What on Earth?, episode six titled "Circles of the High Kings" takes viewers on a journey across Ireland, uncovering the secrets and mysteries of the land's ancient past. The episode delves into the puzzling, circular structures that dot the Irish landscape, known as ringforts or cashels, and questions surround their purpose and history.

As the cameras fly above the Irish countryside, viewers get a bird's-eye view of the hundreds of ringforts that exist throughout the region. Experts speculate on the features that make up these structures, such as their circular shapes, raised banks, and deep ditches. Historians and archeologists ponder whether these were once fortifications to protect against invaders or simply farmsteads for local families.

At the Hill of Tara, dubbed the "Cradle of Irish Civilization," the episode highlights the ancient monument's importance in Irish heritage. The site is said to be the seat of Irish kings for over a thousand years, and researchers believe that the 30-odd ringforts at the Hill of Tara signify a connection to the mythological Celtic gods and goddesses of the Irish pantheon, as well as the ancient high kings who ruled from there.

Moving on to the magnificent island of Inishmore, viewers learn about the prehistoric fortress Dun Aengus, perched precariously atop a sheer cliff face and surrounded by unexplained circular structures in the surrounding countryside. Scholars question whether Dun Aengus was solely a fortification against potential invaders or if it also had some ritual significance, as evidenced by the many alignments with the sun and moon.

The show further explores the possibility of ritual use through its examination of the triple spiral symbol, found throughout Irish culture and often associated with deity, death, or rebirth. This symbol has been found in conjunction with many ringforts across Ireland, prompting archeologists to wonder whether the houses within the structures were somehow used in rituals or ceremonies that followed specific cosmic or lunar patterns.

In addition to ancient sites, the episode also showcases innovative new technologies used to explore and examine these structures further. The cameras follow a team who employs electromagnetic scanning to uncover the details of a stone wall hidden beneath the soil at a ringfort, and the series of photographs that led to the discovery of a massive network of ancient roads running across the countryside.

As the episode draws to a close, the show details the ongoing efforts by conservationists to preserve and protect these ancient sites for future generations. Viewers gain insight into the vital role the Irish environmental agency plays in maintaining these historically significant places and helping to preserve the country's cultural heritage.

Overall, "Circles of the High Kings" is a fascinating and educational episode that will leave viewers spellbound by the mysteries and complexities of Irish history and the land's enduring connection to its mythic past.