Ep 1. Into the Murder Labyrinth

In the season 8 premiere of Mysteries of the Abandoned, episode 1, titled "Into the Murder Labyrinth," viewers are taken into the heart of an enigmatic network of passages hidden beneath the ancient city of Naples, Italy. At the center of this underground labyrinth lies a sinister history filled with stories of murder and mystery.

As the episode begins, we are introduced to the fascinating world of the ancient Greco-Roman city of Naples and are shown the modern-day metropolis built on top of it. We are then taken beneath the surface of the city into a hidden network of tunnels and chambers. Here, we learn that these subterranean passageways were long believed to be used for mundane purposes such as storing water and goods. However, during the Second World War, they began to be used for far more sinister reasons.

Our guide for this episode is Dr. Michael Scott, an ancient historian and expert on Naples. He takes us through the intricate maze of tunnels and explains how they were used as a refuge by the people of Naples during the war. But as he delves deeper, he discovers the real reason for the existence of these hidden passages.

We are given an insight into the dark history of Naples as Dr. Scott shares the gruesome story of the city's infamous 'Bloodbath of the Fiorentine'. This was a brutal massacre that took place in 1557 where a band of Spanish soldiers slaughtered hundreds of civilians who had taken refuge in the underground tunnels. Dr. Scott describes the horrors inflicted upon the innocent people of Naples and the legacy of fear that continues to haunt the city.

As our journey continues, we are shown how the network of tunnels is now being used for a different, yet equally eerie purpose. We are introduced to the mysterious 'Catacombs of San Gaudioso' which lie deep beneath a crypt in Naples. The catacombs contain the ancient remains of the dead and, as Dr. Scott explains, were designed in order to bring the faithful closer to their deceased loved ones and promote communion with the divine.

The eerie, labyrinthine tunnels of the catacombs have always captivated archaeologists and thrill-seekers alike, but as Dr. Scott investigates further, he discovers a never-before-seen underground room. This discovery leads Dr. Scott to uncover a disturbing and bloody history, with implications far beyond the borders of Naples. The show revels in the secrets of this ancient city and takes audiences on a journey into a world filled with mystery and intrigue.

One thing Mysteries of the Abandoned does exceptionally well is to offer up a research-driven narrative that captures a sense of curiosity and wonder. Episode 1 of the eighth season is no exception as the show presents a nuanced story filled with intrigue, mystery, and murder. The exploration into Naples' hidden depths is an ode to the resilience and ingenuity of the people of the city who have both struggled and thrived through the ages. This makes "Into the Murder Labyrinth" a must-watch for anyone who loves history, archeology, and good old-fashioned adventure.