Ep 5. The Pirate Queen's Lair

Cities of the Underworld is a captivating historical documentary television series that explores ancient cities and their mysterious underground worlds across the globe. In season 4 episode 5, titled "The Pirate Queen's Lair," the show takes viewers on a thrilling journey to the Caribbean island of Jamaica, where they uncover the hidden underground fortress of Anne Bonny, the notorious pirate queen of the 18th century.

The episode begins with host Don Wildman introducing viewers to the history of piracy in the Caribbean during the Golden Age of Piracy, which lasted from the sixteenth to the eighteenth century. He describes how the pirates of the time would use the rocky coastline of Jamaica to hide their ships from the British navy and sneak ashore to plunder the wealthy colonies.

However, the Pirates of the Caribbean were not just a group of ruthless criminals, but they were also notorious for their strategic and tactical skills. Anne Bonny, in particular, was known for her intelligence and bravery. She was the daughter of a plantation owner in Jamaica and had become a pirate out of her own free will. Later she teamed up with Captain Calico Jack Rackham to form an infamous pirate duo. The episode gives viewers an insight into Anne Bonny's life and how her lair was discovered.

The highlight of the episode is when Wildman and his team embark on a journey to discover the hidden lair of Anne Bonny, which was built into the cliffs of Jamaica. The team rappels down from a high cliff and enters a narrow opening in the rock. Inside, they find themselves in what appears to be a large natural chamber. The team is amazed to discover how the pirates had created a safe haven in such a harsh landscape, with various mysterious hidden rooms, trapdoors, and secret passages.

The team of archaeologists and historians explores the lair, discovering hidden artifacts, tools, and weapons. They find evidence of a system of pulleys, weights, and levers, which the pirates used to move their goods in and out of the lair. They also uncover a cache of authentic pirate coins, swords, and pistols, which provide insights into the weapons used by the pirates.

As the episode progresses, Wildman and the team piece together the history of Anne Bonny and her secret underground lair. They speculate how she would have used the complex during her time as a pirate in order to evade capture and store her ill-gotten goods.

In the final segment of the episode, the team explores the nearby caves, which are rumored to have been used by the pirates as a secret escape route. They find themselves in almost pitch-black darkness, with only the beam of their flashlights to guide them. The caves are damp and claustrophobic, making it difficult for them to move around. Within the caves, the team discovers secret entrances and exits and hears tales of how the pirates lived in dangerous isolation, relying on their cunning and resourcefulness to survive.

In conclusion, "The Pirate Queen's Lair" is an enthralling exploration of the hidden underground world of Anne Bonny and the pirates of the Caribbean. The episode provides a fascinating insight into the life of the notorious pirate queen and the tactics used by the pirates to evade capture by the British navy. The show does an excellent job of weaving together historical facts and legend, while engaging viewers with its captivating visuals and intriguing storytelling. This episode is sure to leave viewers eagerly anticipating the next adventure that Cities of the Underworld has to offer.