Ep 4. America's Ancient Ancestors

In Cities of the Underworld season 4 episode 4, viewers are taken on a journey through America's Ancient Ancestors. The episode explores the forgotten history of North America's first peoples, and how they created a vast network of underground cities and tunnels that were crucial to their survival.

The episode begins by examining the history of the Indigenous peoples of North America, tracing their roots back over 10,000 years. Experts explain how they adapted to their harsh environments, developing ingenious techniques for hunting, fishing, and farming. As Europeans began to arrive in the 15th and 16th centuries, they brought with them new diseases and warfare, which devastated Indigenous communities.

However, many Indigenous peoples survived by retreating into underground tunnels and cities, which they had been constructing for centuries. The episode explores the intricacy and scope of these underground complexes, showcasing how they were used to store food, protect against invaders, and shelter families during harsh winters.

The episode takes viewers to various sites across North America, including the ancient Anasazi cliff dwellings in New Mexico, the subterranean tunnels of the Catacombs of Paris, and the hidden underground cities of Turkey. Experts explain the complex engineering techniques used by Indigenous peoples to construct these underground cities, including ventilation systems, water sources, and drainage systems.

Throughout the episode, the connection between Indigenous peoples and their environment is highlighted. Experts discuss the ways in which Indigenous peoples relied on their surroundings for survival, whether it be hunting buffalo on the plains or fishing salmon in the Pacific Northwest. The episode celebrates the resilience of Indigenous communities, showcasing how they were able to adapt to changing climates and environments over thousands of years.

Cities of the Underworld season 4 episode 4 ends with a reflection on the importance of preserving Indigenous history and culture. Experts stress the need to acknowledge the contributions of Indigenous peoples to North American society, and to recognize the ongoing impact of colonialism and oppression. The episode provides a powerful reminder of the rich and complex history of North America's first peoples, and the crucial role that underground cities played in their survival.