Ep 2. Jamestown's Dark Winter

In season 15, episode 2 of Secrets of the Dead titled "Jamestown's Dark Winter", viewers are taken back to the year 1609 in the early days of America's colonization to explore a darker side of history.

The episode focuses on the Jamestown settlement, the first permanent English settlement in America. The harsh winter of 1609 saw the colony on the brink of collapse. As supplies dwindled and famine spread, the settlers resorted to eating dogs, horses, rats, and even each other to survive. Of the 500 settlers, only 60 survived the winter.

Using modern technology and historical records, the episode delves into the conditions of the settlement, exploring the mistakes made by the settlers and their leaders that led to the disaster. Viewers get an inside look at the challenges the settlers faced, including disease, Native American attacks, and lack of government support, which added to their struggles to survive.

The episode also highlights the bravery and perseverance of the settlers, who despite all odds, were able to rebuild and eventually thrive. Archeologists have dug up over 3 million artifacts in Jamestown, shedding light on the everyday life of the settlers. By analyzing these artifacts and other records, the episode gives viewers a deeper understanding of life in colonial America.

Overall, "Jamestown's Dark Winter" serves as a cautionary tale about the hazards and challenges of starting a new civilization in a foreign land, and how one mistake can quickly spiral into chaos and disaster. The episode provides new insights into the history of America, and the human spirit that drives us to survive in the face of overwhelming adversity.