Ep 11. Ruins Of Cannibal City

In season 7, episode 11 of "What on Earth?" entitled "Ruins Of Cannibal City," the team of experts sets out to solve an ancient mystery deep in the heart of the Congo. Utilizing high-tech satellite imagery and cutting-edge archeological methods, they aim to uncover the ruins of a long-lost city purportedly built by a tribe of cannibals.

The episode begins with a tantalizing glimpse at the satellite imagery that first piqued the team's interest in the site. Amidst the dense jungle foliage and winding rivers of the Congo basin, patterns emerge that suggest the presence of ancient structures and pathways. As the team zooms in on the images, they begin to see evidence of a vast complex of roads, walls, and other structures. But what was this city built for, and who inhabited it?

The team begins their investigation by visiting nearby villages and interviewing local people. They quickly learn that the area is known for its dark and savage legends, which tell of bloodthirsty tribes who would capture and consume their enemies. While these stories might seem far-fetched, the team knows that cannibalism was indeed practiced by many ancient cultures around the world, and they set out to learn more about the history of the region.

Working closely with local experts and historians, the team begins to piece together a picture of what life might have been like in the mysterious city. They learn that the area was inhabited by a tribe known as the Azande, who were renowned for their fierce warriors and elaborate rituals. The Azande were rumored to have engaged in frequent conflicts with neighboring tribes, and it's possible that the city was built as a means of fortifying themselves against attack.

But as the team delves deeper into the history of the Azande, they discover a surprising twist. Contrary to popular belief, it seems that the tribe's reputation for cannibalism might have been overblown. While there is evidence that they practiced cannibalism in certain extreme situations, such as during times of warfare or famine, it was not a central part of their way of life. Instead, they were skilled farmers and traders who lived in complex societies with their own religious and cultural traditions.

With this new understanding in mind, the team redoubles their efforts to uncover the ruins of the lost city. They make several groundbreaking discoveries, including long stretches of wall that suggest the city was much larger than previously thought, and a massive temple complex that may have been at the heart of the Azande's religious life. They also find evidence of sophisticated irrigation systems and advanced agricultural techniques, indicating that the Azande were much more than just primitive tribespeople.

As the episode draws to a close, the team reflects on what they've learned about the Azande and their lost city. While the legends of cannibalism and savagery may have been exaggerated, there's no denying that the Azande lived in a turbulent and challenging time. Through their ingenuity and determination, they were able to build a thriving civilization in one of the most inhospitable areas of the world. The experts marvel at the remains of this long-lost culture, and wonder what other secrets may lie hidden beneath the jungle canopy.