As Seen on Public Television.
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On May 13, 1607, three English sailing vessels drop anchor beside a small island fringed by swamps in the James River, Virginia. On board: 104 colonists who will establish the first successful English settlement in the New World at Jamestown. The exploits of one colonist -- the brash, swashbuckling John Smith; the venerable chief Powhatan; and his infatuated daughter Pocahontas will be recited, retold, and embroidered until they gather the status of an epic founding myth of the new nation.Now, 400 years later, science is investigating the truth behind the myth. Virginia archaeologists recently discovered the site of Chief Powhatan's capital, Werowocomoco, some 17 miles from Jamestown. This is the very spot where the smitten Pocahontas begged her father to spare the neck of the captive John Smith -- or so Smith claimed. Join NOVA on this exclusive investigation of the archaeological clues that are revealing the Native American side of the Jamestown story for the first time.
"...brings together archaeologists, historians and Virginia Indians to cut through the Hollywood hype and get to the facts." Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
"...the journey is fascinating enough to keep history buffs entertained, making the program worth the watch." Detroit News Online
"...deftly and entertainingly employs scientific sleuthing to debunk romantic myth..." Fredericksburg.com
Editor's Note
It is one of the founding tales of American settlement: the Indian Pocahontas saving the life of colonial leader John Smith. But how much of this story is true, and how much is historical embroidery? Did Pocahontas really act out of love, or was it a cunning diplomatic move? Using recent excavations at the historic sites of Jamestown and Pocahontas's Indian village, this episode of PBS's NOVA series draws new insights, and makes startling new discoveries, about this timeless tale.
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