History’s Greatest Mysteries: The Franklin Expedition (History, Monday, February 3, 2025)

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The Arctic: a land of stark beauty and unforgiving peril. It’s a place where ambition can easily turn to tragedy, a lesson learned all too well by Sir John Franklin and his crew. On Monday, February 3, at 9:00 PM ET/PT, History’s Greatest Mysteries turns its lens on one of history’s most enduring enigmas: the lost Franklin Expedition.

In 1845, two ships, the HMS Erebus and the HMS Terror, sailed into the icy grip of the Northwest Passage, never to return. Led by the seasoned (or perhaps overly seasoned) Sir John Franklin, the expedition aimed to chart a navigable route through the treacherous Arctic waters. What followed was a slow, agonizing descent into the unknown, a story of dwindling supplies, desperate measures, and ultimately, complete disappearance.

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For nearly two centuries, the fate of the Franklin Expedition has remained a source of fascination and speculation. Theories abound, ranging from starvation and disease to lead poisoning from poorly canned food and, of course, the ever-present threat of mutiny. While the discovery of the Erebus and Terror in recent years has offered some clues, many questions remain unanswered. Did the crew abandon their ships in a last-ditch effort to reach safety? What evidence points to the hardships they endured? And what ultimately led to their demise?

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“History’s Greatest Mysteries” aims to piece together the fragmented narrative of this ill-fated voyage. Through historical accounts, expert analysis, and perhaps a touch of dramatic reenactment, the episode will explore the various theories surrounding the expedition’s disappearance, examining the challenges faced by the crew and the clues left behind. It’s a chilling reminder of the raw power of nature and the fragility of human endeavor.

Tune in to History this Monday at 9:00 PM ET/PT to uncover the secrets of the lost Franklin Expedition.

Andrew Martins, reviewer, recapper, deep diver, scifi specialist. Thinks Blakes 7 is better than Star Trek. Yes I do go to fan conventions and no I don't dress up. Well okay maybe I do a bit.