154 episodes · 33 transcripts · 33 summaries
Viking Secrets
Josh Gates embarks on a transatlantic investigation spanning four nations to unravel three enduring Viking mysteries that could reshape our understanding of medieval history. Beginning in Denmark's National Museum and expanding to Iceland, Greenland, and potentially North America, Gates pursues answers to questions that have puzzled archaeologists for generations: What tactical and technological advantages made these Norse warriors so devastatingly effective across Europe for three centuries? Why did the Viking colony in Greenland seemingly vanish after thriving for generations? And most provocatively, could new evidence prove the Vikings reached what is now the United States 500 years before any other European explorers—a discovery that would fundamentally rewrite American history? Gates follows Norse sagas and charts referencing a mysterious settlement called Vinland, examining what he describes as a "previously-lost piece of evidence" that may finally pinpoint where these legendary seafarers made landfall.
Vikings in America
Josh Gates traces the Vikings' legendary westward expansion across the North Atlantic, starting in their Danish homeland before journeying to Iceland, Greenland, and ultimately North America. The central mystery: did Norse seafarers reach what is now the United States more than 500 years before Columbus? In Denmark, Gates works with archaeologists excavating a Viking king's fortress, revealing sophisticated military engineering and craftsmanship that transcended their reputation as mere raiders. He tests Viking combat techniques at a festival and sails a replica longship to understand their maritime mastery. The expedition then pushes west to Iceland, where Gates meets archaeologists Kevin Smith and Gudmundur Olafsson at a remote cave site, navigating volcanic terrain that the first Viking settlers encountered in 874 CE—a landscape so apocalyptic it may have reinforced their mythology of Ragnarok.
Origins of Stonehenge
Josh travels to his ancestral home of Great Britain to explore the origins of Stonehenge. From high in the air to deep under the sea, he finds an unexpected network of monuments that could have inspired one of history's most mystical locations.
The Secret
Josh travels all over the US to find the treasures featured in The Secret, a cryptic book published in the 1980s. He meets with members of the book's cult following, who each think they're on the verge of finding one of the 10 remaining treasures.
Butch Cassidy's Lost Loot
Josh immerses himself in Wild West lore on a quest to find Butch Cassidy's missing money. He traces the iconic outlaw's footsteps through Colorado, Utah and Nevada, eventually learning that he may need to find the man himself to locate the lost loot.
Hunt for the Metal Library
Josh travels through the jungles of Ecuador to explore the watery depths of Tayos Cave for a legendary set of metal plates believed to be created by an advanced ancient civilization.
Great Women of Ancient Egypt
In this first installment of an epic two-part episode, Josh journeys through the land of the Nile to uncover the secrets of the most powerful, and most elusive, women in ancient Egypt -- Hatshepsut, Nefertiti and Cleopatra.
Egypt's Lost Queens
In the second installment of an epic two-part investigation, Josh continues his journey through Egypt to uncover the secrets, and possibly the final resting place, of ancient history's most powerful women rulers -- Nefertiti and Cleopatra.
Secrets of Brother XII
Josh Gates attempts to uncover a treasure left behind by the Aquarian Foundation, an isolated, insidious cult led by the notorious leader known as Brother XII.