Ep 12. Forgotten Fortresses of Terror

As the title suggests, Mysteries of the Abandoned season 8 episode 12 explores abandoned fortress structures all around the world that were once deemed essential for defense purposes and were home to soldiers and their families. However, over time, these fortresses lost their value, were eventually abandoned and now are the subject of ghost stories and myths.

The episode starts by showcasing the Fort de la Chartreuse in Liege, Belgium. The fort was constructed in the late 19th century to protect the city from attacks. It was built on a hill overlooking the city and was believed to be impregnable. However, during Nazi occupation in World War II, the fort became a target for the Germans who bombarded it with a heavy artillery barrage. As a result, a large part of the fort was reduced to rubble. Today, it is a popular spot for urban explorers and ghost hunters.

Moving on, the episode takes us to Monte Scaglioso, Italy, where Forte La Carnale stands atop a hill. The fortress was constructed during World War II as a strategic defense point against the Germans. Despite its remote location, this fortress played a crucial role in the war effort by providing a vantage point to monitor the Adriatic coast. However, post-war, as the technology advanced, these fortresses lost their significance and were abandoned. Forte La Carnale now stands as a testament to the advancements in warfare technology.

The episode then explores the Fort de la Mothe, in France's Poitou-Charentes region. It was once a state of the art fortress, built-in 1878, to protect France from possible attacks from the German Empire. The fort was equipped with the latest weapons and defensive technology available at that time. However, as time passed and French-German relations improved, this once mighty fortress lost its significance and was finally abandoned. The fort is now open to the public as a tourist attraction and has several exhibits showcasing the history of the French army.

Next, the episode takes us to the United States, where we learn about Fort Montgomery. This fortress was initially built to provide protection to the newly formed United States and was located in the midst of the wilderness. This makes it one of the most challenging forts to attack in its time. However, eventually, the fort lost its purpose and was left to abandon. Today, the fort stands as a reminder of the United States' early days and its fight for independence.

The episode concludes by taking us to a once mighty fortress in the heart of Turkey- Rumeli Fortress. It was built-in 1452 by Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II to capture Constantinople. It is believed that it took over four months to construct this fortress and employed over 3000 workers. The fortress played a decisive role in the capture of Constantinople. However, over the years, it has lost its relevance and was abandoned. Today, it is a popular tourist destination and is frequented by those interested in the history of Constantinople.

Overall, the Forgotten Fortresses of Terror episode of Mysteries of the Abandoned season 8 is a fascinating exploration of these once mighty fortresses that have now been left to ruins. The expert commentary and insight into the history and cultural significance of these sites make it a must-watch for history buffs and those interested in abandoned structures.