Forensic Geologist Investigates North America's Lost "Copper Culture"

Long before Columbus set sail, a massive industrial operation was underway in the Great Lakes region of North America. Forensic geologist Scott Wolter investigates the "Copper Culture" of Isle Royale, where an estimated 1.5 billion pounds of high-purity copper vanished during the height of the European Bronze Age. By analyzing the controversial Newberry Tablet and utilizing PIXE (Particle Induced X-ray Emission) technology to "fingerprint" Michigan copper, this documentary explores a radical theory: that the Minoan civilization of ancient Crete crossed the Atlantic 5,000 years ago to fuel their empire's hunger for metal. From underwater ruins to forensic labs, we uncover the evidence that could rewrite the history of both the Old and New Worlds.