Ep 10. Finding King Aurthur

In What on Earth? season 4 episode 10, titled "Finding King Arthur," the team delves into the mystery surrounding the legendary King Arthur. The episode takes us on a journey across the British Isles, exploring historic sites and ancient artifacts in search of clues to confirm the existence of King Arthur.

The first piece of evidence explored is a set of peculiar earthworks known as Cadbury Castle, located in Somerset, England. The castle is said to be one of the potential locations of Arthur's Camelot, but how likely is it that this is the real site? The team delves deeper into the history and legends of King Arthur, investigating other potential sites and artifacts that could reveal more about his life.

One such artifact is the sword in the stone, which is believed to have been wielded by Arthur in his famous battles. The team tries to trace the sword's origins and authenticate its authenticity, getting insights from renowned experts in history and weaponry.

Later on, the team heads to Tintagel, a small town located on the coastlines of Cornwall, where a cave known as Merlin's Cave has yielded important clues about the Arthurian legend. Excavations of the cave have revealed ancient inscriptions, ceramics, and glass beads, raising the tantalizing possibility that Tintagel could have been the birthplace of King Arthur.

Another site explored in the episode is Glastonbury Abbey, known for its association with Arthur's final resting place. The team investigates the ruins of the abbey and the nearby cemetery, exploring the stories of monks who claimed to have discovered Arthur's remains there.

Throughout the episode, the team also examines various theories and stories associated with King Arthur, such as his connection to Shakespeare's play "Macbeth" and the legend of the Holy Grail. They scrutinize the different characters in Arthurian legend, from Guinevere to Lancelot, to decipher whether they were based on real people or entirely fictitious.

Amid the explorations, the team also grapples with the question of King Arthur's historical accuracy. Is he merely a mythical figure created to inspire tales of chivalry, or was he a real king who ruled over a united Britain in the early Middle Ages?

All throughout the episode, the team utilizes cutting-edge technology, including laser scanning and computer modeling, to unravel the mystery of King Arthur. Will their investigations lead them to a definitive answer about the true identity of the legendary king, or will the truth remain buried in the sands of time?

"Finding King Arthur" is a fascinating episode that blends history, archaeology, and mythology to explore one of the world's most enduring legends.