The UnXplained

From the 17th to the early 20th century, America saw an unprecedented era of rapid western expansion. Millions moved west to lay claim to find their fortunes in gold and land for the taking in search of the American Dream.

Throughout history, there have been men of science who pushed the boundaries of experimentation to the edge of madness. They were renegades known for bizarre and often unethical experiments involving human-animal hybrids, mind control devices, and even unimaginable torture.

Urban legends are modern folklore rooted in mystery where chilling tales merge fact and fiction and blur the line between myth and reality. From the eerie reports of spontaneous human combustion and the hunt for the Highgate Vampire, to the unsettling boogeymen known as the Men in Black appearing after UFO sightings, could these thrilling legends, echoed over generations and believed by many, be more than just stories?

From 1861-1865, the United States of America found itself in a bloody four-year struggle known as the Civil War. While history often focuses on the politics and battles of this bloody discord, there are fascinating stories of the people and places that played a role in the "War Between the States".

Throughout history, powerful nations around the world have enlisted spies to serve as unique tools of warfare. These secret agents are often tasked with infiltrating organizations and even performing the act of assassination.

The idea that a handful of shadowy organizations control world events has been around for centuries. Today, the Mafia, Skull & Bones, and the Freemasons are just a few of the mysterious groups said to meet behind closed doors, keeping dangerous secrets. What are the codes and rituals that define their beliefs? And is it possible that secret societies not only shaped the events that defined the 20 th century, but will continue to shape the future?

For thousands of years, mankind has been fascinated by the idea of creating mechanical servants to make our lives easier. Today, those dreams of the past are increasingly becoming our reality.

Isolated along the southernmost part of the planet, Antarctica is best known as the frozen continent. Yet, this untouched land has captivated brave explorers for centuries.

There are islands throughout the world that despite their scenic and tranquil beauty, evoke nothing but fear and dread. These islands are riddled with dark histories, unspeakable tragedy, and the belief by locals that they are cursed. Are the misfortunes experienced by the inhabitants of these islands simply a series of tragic coincidences, or is it possible that scattered across the planet there are... Islands of the Damned?

With over 5 billion copies sold, the Bible is the best-selling book of all time. Could there be physical proof for some of the Bible's most iconic, miraculous stories? Today, many believe that there are physical objects in museums and churches around the world that are not only the genuine holy relics from the Bible, but also, that these incredible artifacts are still imbued with divine power. Could tantalizing clues suggest that some of these famous Bible relics are, in fact, authentic?

Since the dawn of human history, mankind has faced the ever present threat of organisms so small, that they are invisible to the naked eye. While modern science has stopped many dangerous viruses and bacteria in their tracks, there is a growing concern, that contagious germs could be traveling through the deadly vacuum of space. Will Earth's next pandemic come from another world?

People go missing every day, but throughout history, there have been strange and eerie disappearances that continue to capture the world's attention. Whether it's the missing case of a world famous icon, like Amelia Earhart, or even entire groups of people that seem to vanish without a trace, these mysterious disappearances have spawned countless theories, but no definitive answers.

There are stories of advanced technology, from the ancient past, that seem too impossible to be true. Some are spoken of in legends and myths, while others can be seen today with the naked eye. These technologies challenge everything we think we know about the innovation of our ancestors. Is our most cutting-edge modern technology, merely reinventions of those that existed thousands of years ago? And if it is, where did these incredible lost inventions go?

During The Golden Age of Piracy, thousands of buccaneers terrorized the high seas and became legends. Their exploits spawned fantastic stories of larger-than-life characters, billion dollar heists and buried treasure that to this day, has never been found. Are these stories simply tall tales, or is the truth stranger than fiction?

Throughout history, tales of inexplicable maladies to both the body, and the mind, have stirred morbid curiosity and palpable fear. From mysterious wounds that appear for no apparent reason--to a peculiar madness that compels people to dance themselves to death. Are these bizarre afflictions merely fabrications of the mind? Or could they arise from unseen forces that are beyond our comprehension?

There are many bizarre tales involving U.S. presidents that defy explanation and are still shrouded in mystery.

During the Middle Ages, the Vikings were infamous for being a bloodthirsty band of seafaring warriors; historians are learning surprising new things about this Norse society.

Scattered across the globe lie mysterious ruins that are buried in sand-swept deserts, perched atop towering mountains, and shrouded in the heart of dense jungles. These age-old structures stand as silent sentinels from the past, their true history seemingly erased by time. Can modern archaeology unravel the enigma of how-and why-these wonders were built?

A look at whether time travel has already occurred, on purpose or by accident, and scientists who believe it is theoretically possible.

Humanity has launched satellites into outer space and submarines to the ocean floor, but the ground below Earth's surface remains shrouded in mystery. Are there profound secrets buried beneath layers of rock, or hidden in vast caves? Can the subterranean world below shed light on humanity's past, or even its future?

Throughout the world, there have been countless sightings of bizarre creatures that, based on eyewitness accounts, can only be described as monsters, and fearsome beasts that cannot be explained by science. Is it possible that there are terrifying monsters, lurking in the shadows of planet Earth?

Throughout history, many have claimed to be able to see into the future. These mystics, prophets, and clairvoyants received visions of events that changed the course of history. But what did their prophecies reveal? And what predictions did they make for the future of mankind?

The world is full of stunning displays of natural phenomena that are so spectacular and, at times, so strange they defy conventional wisdom. Can science explain Earth's mysteries? Or does human knowledge of the Earth only scratch the surface?

Throughout history, every major civilization has believed in curses, and their power to inflict harm on the unsuspecting. Today, many people are still afraid of walking into a cursed place or touching a reportedly-cursed object. But if curses are real then what brings them into existence? And how are they triggered?

For over 100,000 years, humans have found ways to lay the dead to rest. Graves, tombs, cremations are all considered respectful ways to provide the deceased with a final resting place. But is it possible that some of these practices can preserve the soul for eternity? Or even bring the dead back to life?

For centuries archaeologists and explorers have been obsessed with locating ancient cities lost to time. Some of these places are recorded in historical texts, while others are part of oral traditions and folklore. How does a once-thriving community become a lost city? And if their ruins are found, what secrets might be they reveal about human history?

All over the world are forbidden 'triangles'--mysterious regions where ships, planes, and people enter and then just disappear. They are found in Bermuda, Alaska, Japan and elsewhere. But why? Do these locations defy the laws of physics? Or is it possible that there are some places on Earth that we are simply not meant to go?

For hundreds of years there have been legends of vast treasures hidden throughout the United States. Stories of stolen gold, piracy, murderous revenge, but are these legends of lost treasures tall tales? Or is it possible that these valuables are out there, waiting to be discovered?

For centuries, fantastic tales of terrifying monsters have fascinated mankind. Bizarre beasts of all shapes and sizes have been portrayed in some of history's most classic stories and folklore. But what if these creatures were more than just works of imagination and superstition? Could these stories of legendary creatures be inspired by actual events and where does the line between fact and fiction fall? Do these famous monsters still lurk in the dark corner of our globe today?

Space. The Final Frontier--and the ultimate mystery. Scientists are involved in a never-ending quest to understand the vast universe our planet inhabits. But it seems that for each answer science provides, even more questions arise. Our own solar system is populated by mysterious objects and phenomenon that seem to defy our attempts to understand them. And when we get deeper into space, the mysteries only deepen. What could lay beyond the confines of the Milky Way? Are there galaxies similar to our own? Could they be capable of sustaining intelligent life? And is that life trying to contact us?

Who was Jack the Ripper? The question has baffled police investigators, historians, and armchair detectives for over a century. Countless books, movies, and television shows have been based on the Ripper's murderous exploits each with their own unique take on the killer's identity. Was he an accomplished surgeon? A member of the British royal family? Did he actually exist at all? Over 130 years later, are we any closer to the identity of one of history's most notorious serial murderers?

Remarkable feats of engineering from our ancient past span the globe. Some are amazing in size. Others in sophistication. Some are so strange they border on inexplicable. Did the ancients have advanced scientific knowledge that has been lost to time? How--and why--did they fashion these incredible wonders?

King Arthur, England's first pop culture superhero; his exploits inspired blockbuster movies and television series like "Middle Earth", "Harry Potter", "Game of Thrones" and "Star Wars"; the significant impact of Arthurian legend on Western culture.

Humans can survive catastrophic injuries and deadly scenarios that defy the odds in ways that are inexplicable; these survivals challenge the best attempts to explain how anyone could live through such circumstances.

Today, human civilization spans the globe, and there are more than 7 billion people on Earth. But how did humanity evolve? Although many around the globe believe that the divine hand of God placed homo sapiens on Earth, were there other kinds of human-like creatures--cousins of man--that could have been just as intelligent as us? And if so, might these other species still exist today, perhaps in remote parts of the world?

Whether surviving freezing temperatures, diving unfathomable depths in one breath, or lifting weighty objects, superhuman feats never cease to amaze; pulling them off could be a matter of training, willpower, genetics, or something more mysterious.

All over the world, there are places and objects that are thought to be cursed; many people avoid these locations and things, believing they will bring harm, while others think that curses are nothing more than superstition and folklore.

Throughout history, humans have buried their dead in caves or chambers, in pyramids or in some form of a tomb; ancient tombs were visual memorials for the dead; in China, a vast necropolis was constructed as a way to connect to the afterlife.

The animal kingdom is full of deadly predators, and some of them attack in extraordinary and inexplicable ways. Do some animals strike back at humans for reasons beyond normal defense and hunger? Can they have emotions like anger or a desire for revenge? Despite our technological advancement, do animals pose a greater threat to us than we realize for reasons that we cannot explain?

There are some events that are so destructive, so astounding, or truly miraculous -- that for the faithful -- they must be directed by the hand of the Almighty. The Great Flood. The Plagues of Egypt. Sodom and Gomorrah. Moses Parting the Red Sea.

From the ancient Babylonian's to modern day urban explorers, mankind has always been fascinated by abandoned places. What is the allure that draws us to these post-apocalyptic landscapes? Is it simply morbid curiosity? Or, something harder to define? Could abandoned places actually be places of 'magic'--as the ancients believed? Well, that is what we will try and find out.

More than 80% of the Earth's oceans remain unexplored, and in many ways, the underwater world is the final frontier. As new technology allows us to explore oceans and deep lakes more than ever before, what will we find? Will we discover profound secrets about the oceans? Underwater ruins that were lost for thousands of years? Or perhaps something even more extraordinary?

Genius is widely considered to be the ability to change the world in an incredible way: inventing new technology, deciphering the mysteries of the universe, or creating transcendent art. But where does genius come from? What is the X-factor that makes someone a genius? Is it "good genes"? A proper education? Or do geniuses tap into something much more mysterious and extraordinary?

Ancient ruins fascinate us, and some archaeological finds are so baffling that they challenge everything we know about the past. Will we ever learn the truth about these mysterious ruins? Or will they continue to present more questions than answers?

Throughout history, many have sought the lost Ark of the Covenant. According to the Old Testament, God himself instructed Moses to build the Ark--and it is believed that it held the power of the Almighty. But how could such a coveted religious artifact just disappear? And is it possible that the Ark could actually be found?

For thousands of years, people have believed in the existence of Satan, the embodiment of evil. Some believe he has the power to possess souls and create mayhem amongst humanity. But is Satan a myth? Or are there signs of Satan's existence--and the evil he brings into our world?

Sunken ships filled with priceless cargo. Lost cities of gold. Ancient temples concealing untold riches. There's something about these hidden treasures that captures the human imagination. But are lost treasures merely the stuff of legend? Or could they actually be real?

Mysterious disappearances are confounding and bizarre and simply can't be explained. Can these be chalked up to tragic accidents? Or could they be the result of something more...UnXplained?

For centuries, legends and eyewitness accounts have told of a massive, hairy creature that roams the forest on two legs. While science has yet to prove the existence of this mythical man-beast, countless researchers and experiencers around the world are convinced that there is a giant, ape-like animal hiding in remote parts of the world. They point to the discovery of large, inexplicable footprints as evidence of the so-called "Bigfoot" that they hope to prove is real. But does Bigfoot actually exist?

Gold. It's one of the most valuable precious metals on the planet, has been coveted by societies for centuries, and can be found inside countless modern electronics. Mankind's quest for gold harkens back thousands of years, but what is the special power that gold wields over our collective consciousness? Is it merely because it's rare and valuable, or could it be something more than that?

For centuries, humanity has been compelled to build remarkable structures that are much more than simple places of shelter or work. What makes us want to create magnificent buildings that are bigger and grander than ourselves--and last for centuries? Whether it's Stonehenge, the Notre Dame Cathedral, or the world's tallest skyscrapers--extraordinary works of engineering are evidence of a strong instinct within us that we don't fully understand. Are we trying to prove something? Or perhaps show our power over nature? Or could there be another reason that is, for now...UnXplained?

According to the Greek philosopher Plato, the lost continent of Atlantis was once home to an advanced civilization before it was destroyed in a cataclysm. But was Plato's story merely a myth? Or did Atlantis really exist? For centuries, archaeologists have tried to uncover evidence to prove that this legend is true. Will Atlantis finally be re-discovered, perhaps by employing modern technology? Or will this lost civilization remain...UnXplained?

Many see them as massive testaments to America's progress. Some view them as immutable symbols of the human spirit. Others perceive them as sacred shrines dedicated to the ideals of liberty and freedom. But no matter what they represent--America's monuments are inarguably impressive due to their colossal size and scope, their groundbreaking feats of engineering, and their storied histories. Why is it that America's greatest monuments continue to enthrall us decades--and sometimes centuries--after their creation? And perhaps more importantly, what closely guarded secrets may their implacable facades be hiding?

From ancient civilizations to 20th century empires, mankind has had an inexplicable fascination with preserving the dead. But why? Are we simply too attached to the living to let them go? Or could it be that death isn't really the end, but rather a transition to a new beginning?

Many believe it to be the Word of God, but others claim it contains inconsistencies and contradictions that could only be manmade.

Stories of those who lead double lives are both daring and baffling. What compels a person to attempt to become someone else? Is it merely for material gain, to pull off an ingenious scam? Or is there a deeper reason? At one time or another, we've all fantasized about trying on a new identity, but when does the line between impersonation and transformation get blurred? Is it possible that by pretending to be someone else, a person can actually become that person, at least in their mind?

Despite all of our modern technology and sophistication, there is much that we still don't know about what lies beneath our feet, deep underground. What is at the center of the Earth? Is there really a solid core of heavy metals, or could it be a hollow environment, as many researchers claim? And just how much of mankind's history took place underground? Recent discoveries of ancient underground structures such as the city of Derinkuyu and the Malta Hypogeum suggest that there may be more structures down there, waiting to be re-discovered. If much of our past was subterranean, could our future be as well?

For decades, the debate has raged as to what exactly Unidentified Flying Objects--or "UFOs"--really are. Theories have been put forth that attribute them to everything from secret military aircraft to weather phenomena and more. But by far, the most controversial theory is that these objects are, in fact, spacecraft that have been piloted to Earth by extraterrestrial beings. It's a seemingly outlandish notion, but could it be true? And if so, how much does the government know about these spacecraft--and the aliens who are visiting our planet?

Throughout history, many have believed that certain places, things, or even people can be tainted with dark curses. Ominous lakes that morph into watery graves. Unlucky numbers that seem to cause bad things to happen. Paintings and precious stones, which bring death and destruction to their keepers. But can these mysterious curses really have the power to bring us harm? And if so, is it possible to understand their power, or will it remain UnXplained?

Our five senses--sight, smell, hearing, taste, and touch--construct the reality of the world around us, like a blank canvas continuously painted and repainted over every day. For each person, this portrait of reality is slightly different, but we more or less agree that the sky is blue, lemons are sour, and horns are loud. But what about when one or more of your senses is heightened, changed, or even taken away all together? Do people with these radically-altered senses show us that each of us has limitless sensory potential, waiting to be unlocked? And is it possible that we have a mysterious "6th sense," one that is currently UnXplained?

Some of history's greatest tales are stories of escape, the most incredible of which defy explanation. How did Harry Houdini pull off his daring feats? Was the "Escape from Alcatraz" in fact, successful? And what about the mysterious guidance one man received that allowed him to escape the South Tower of the World Trade Center on 9/11? Are there strange forces these escapees draw upon to beat the odds, where so many others fail? Or, like a great magic trick, will the secrets of how they cheated captivity remain UnXplained?

Deadly dances. Masters of manipulation. Mass suicides. Murder. Many of the world's deadliest cults ventured down dark, dangerous rabbit-holes of twisted ideologies, persuading their members to kill--sometimes other people, sometimes themselves. Is there any sense to these sinister groups' Or will the unreckoned forces behind such Deadly Cults remain...UnXplained?

Abandoned cities. Ancient cultures nearly erased by time. And colossal empires that simply vanished without a trace. How does a civilization become "lost"' What could cause once-thriving groups of people to just abandon their great cities, never to return' Can modern scientific knowledge help answer the unsolved questions surrounding these lost civilizations, or is there something more mysterious at work'

Modern prophets. Catastrophic premonitions. Dreams of future crimes. Can people really predict the future. If so, could this knowledge help us avoid deadly events waiting in days to come or is the future a mystery unfolding all the time.

Could a cache of fantastic riches have been buried centuries ago on a tiny island in the North Atlantic'.

How do some people live through the impossible? Whether it's plane crashes, bearing freezing temperatures, or performing superhuman feats while in danger ? remarkable tales of human survival force us to reconsider what we know about our own will to live. Do we have a hidden reserve of inexplicable energy locked away inside us ? that only gets released when the situation calls for it?

Even after centuries of study, the human mind remains as inscrutable as ever. Could the quintessential human machine, the brain, be even more powerful than we realize? And does that suggest that fantastic abilities such as Remote Viewing will one day be recognized not as science fiction, but as science fact--even if, for the moment, they remain UnXplained?

Perhaps the greatest unexplained mystery of all is: what happens to us after we die? Perhaps clues to the answer lie in unusual cases of near-death experience, reincarnation, and how memories can be passed from organ donors to transplant recipients. Are these phenomena figments of our collective imagination, or could they be real?

Ancient practices such as prayer, blood sports, voodoo, and exorcism are often thought to be relics of bygone superstition – but there is evidence they have an impact on the physical world. Is it possible that the mind and body can use the power of ritual to tap into hidden forces that lie just beyond the grasp of conventional explanation?

Many mysteries of planet Earth are far from understood. How was Devil’s Tower formed? Or why do some people get struck by lightning multiple times? While some may write off these as random occurrences, might they instead point to a new understanding of not only our planet’s past – but also its future?

Millions of people around the world claim to have had an encounter with a creature unlike any recognized by mainstream science – such as the Mothman, Chupacabra, and Mongolian Death Worm. Could these incredible creatures be real? And if so, what could possibly explain these freaks of nature?

For centuries, archaeologists have tried to unravel the mysteries of how – and why – certain incredible structures like the Great Pyramid at Giza, the staircase at Loretto Chapel, and Coral Castle were built. Will we ever find the answers? Or, might these structures have been intentionally constructed to perpetually mystify us?

Deadly forest. Haunted houses. Mountains where visitors never return alive. Are there such things as "evil places"? Places where bad things seem to repeatedly -- and inexplicably -- happen? And if so, is it possible that these locations are imbued with dark energy that is currently beyond our understanding?