The UnXplained

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

Since the dawn of civilization, humanity has been fixated on predicting our own demise. Perhaps it will be asteroids, black holes, or something even more mysterious that will wipe us out. But is there anything we can do to predict the future and protect ourselves from apocalypse? Will our civilization end--or will we find a way to evolve and endure?

Sacred waters with remarkable healing powers. Ancient mystics who lived for hundreds of years. A scientific breakthrough may provide the answers to eternal life. Throughout history many have searched for the secret to everlasting life, but so far, it's eluded them. But is it possible to cheat death and live forever? What if, by re-examining ancient teachings and harnessing modern technology, we could eventually become immortal?

Mankind has always pondered what happens after death and what we leave behind. Many wonder, what power our bones may hold. Some believe, bones can bring good luck or even allow us to speak with the dead. But is it possible that our bones hold some sacred power, or perhaps even our souls?

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?

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?

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?

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.

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.

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?

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?

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?

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?

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, 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?

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?

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?

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

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?

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.

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

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?

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?

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?

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.

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?

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?

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?