Archaeology students from the College of William and Mary doing field work a few years ago at Werowocomoco, a prominent Native American village in pre-colonial Virginia… and famous site for Captain John Smith’s rescue by Pocahontas. Werowocomoco, under excavation since 2003, dates back as an active settlement as early as perhaps the 12th century Before Christ.
Terrence Malick’s 2005 film, The New World, was filmed on the Chickahominy River, less than a mile or two from where we live. The New World tells the story of Jamestown, focused around the fascinating story of Captain John Smith, his capture by the Native Americans, and his detainment at the ancient Algonquian village of Werowocomoco, recently discovered along the York River in Virginia. By Smith’s recollection, his life was spared at the last minute by the intervention of the young daughter of chief Powhatan, Pocahontas. This is the stuff that great legends are made of.
Captain John Smith was a man of adventure, much like the great Jewish historian, Josephus, whom we considered in an earlier Veracity post. Perhaps in more ways than one, you might find a connection between John Smith and Josephus. Let me know what you think.
Continue reading
Veracity 