Ep 14. Bloody Secret Of The Lost City

In season 3 episode 14 of What on Earth?, titled "Bloody Secret Of The Lost City," the show delves into the mystery of a lost civilization in South America. The episode begins by investigating satellite images of a vast series of interconnected trenches in Bolivia, stretching across an area larger than the city of Los Angeles. The trenches, believed to have been carved by the Tiwanaku culture over a thousand years ago, have been left unexplained for centuries. However, images taken with satellite technology have revealed something shocking: there is a highly unusual amount of iron in the water within the trench network.

This leads the team to the surprising conclusion that the inhabitants of the Tiwanaku culture, whose cities were built on the Lake Titicaca plateau, may have been practicing a type of blood ritual. It's theorized that the iron-rich water is linked to human sacrifices, which were thought to have been conducted by the culture to appease their gods. This theory is supported further when the team discovers an intricate network of canals near the site, which was likely used to transport the bodies of those sacrificed through the city.

Further evidence of the blood rituals comes to light when the team uncovers a skull which appears to have been used as a drinking vessel. Through careful analysis, they determine that the skull's markings were created from a type of circular saw, stating that it was most likely done by the Tiwanaku people.

The team also explores the various remnants of wall structures and buried chambers of the Tiwanaku culture in this episode. It's suggested that the city's incredible irrigation system, combined with its impressive engineering, could be a sign that the civilization had advanced knowledge of astronomy and geology, which gave them an unparalleled understanding of the natural world.

As the episode continues, the team visits a nearby excavation site, uncovering further evidence of the culture's blood rituals in the form of a series of burials surrounding a sacrificial burial. Evidence of a mass sacrifice is revealed, further strengthening the team's theory.

Overall, season 3 episode 14 of What on Earth? provides an intriguing glimpse into the secrets of a lost civilization, casting a new light on the mysterious workings of the Tiwanaku culture. The show uses the latest satellite technology to uncover hidden secrets, revealing what could be one of the most sophisticated sociopolitical systems in ancient history. With facts presented through stunning graphics and animations, as well as expert commentary from world-renowned archeologists, this episode is a perfect blend of archaeology, history, and science.