Ep 15. Cannibals in the Ghost City

In "Cannibals in the Ghost City," the fifteenth episode of season four of the show What on Earth?, viewers are taken on a journey to explore the strange and eerie abandoned city of Grytviken in the South Georgia Islands. Grytviken is known for having been the site of a whaling station, but now it is home to an intriguing mystery: graffiti that suggests cannibalism took place there.

The episode opens with a dramatic image of a skull painted on the wall of one of the city's buildings. The show's host, a geologist named Chris Jackson, explains that the skull is just one of many pieces of graffiti that depict violence and cannibalism. Despite the fact that no one knows who created the graffiti or why, it has led to speculation that cannibalism may have taken place in the city during a period of starvation brought about by the whaling industry's decline.

To investigate these claims, the show's producers enlist the help of a team of experts. They begin by examining an old newspaper article that describes the discovery of a whale boat that is believed to have been used in a horrific incident of cannibalism. The boat, which is now on display in a museum, is covered in strange markings and graffiti that could shed light on what happened in Grytviken.

Next, the team travels to the city itself to explore its abandoned buildings and conduct scientific tests. They use ground-penetrating radar to scan the ground for any signs of hidden graves or other evidence of cannibalism. They also collect samples of the graffiti on the walls and analyze them for clues as to when they were created and what they might mean.

As they delve deeper into the mystery of Grytviken, the team makes some surprising discoveries. They learn that the city was once home to a thriving whaling industry that operated for over 60 years, until it was closed in the 1960s due to a combination of over-hunting and declining oil yields. They also discover that the people who lived and worked in Grytviken endured harsh conditions, including long hours and sub-zero temperatures, which could have led to outbreaks of violence and cannibalism during times of food shortage.

Overall, "Cannibals in the Ghost City" provides a fascinating look at a little-known corner of history, and sheds light on the darker side of the whaling industry. It offers a compelling blend of science, history, and adventure, as the team braves the abandoned city and uncovers clues to its past. Whether you're a history buff, an armchair adventurer, or just a curious viewer, this episode is sure to captivate and entertain.