In 17th century France, King Louis XIV is perhaps the most powerful man on earth. Known as the Sun King, his court at Versailles is magnificent – the heart of Europe’s wealthiest nation. However, he is in constant fear of the threat to his throne posed by his twin brother. Louis orders for an iron mask to be cast and placed on his brothers’ head. His brother is threatened with death if he dares to remove the mask. Ever since, historians have argued over the truth behind the story of this unfortunate individual. For two hundred and fifty years, the questions have remained unanswered. In this episode of Mystery Files, a team of investigators try to find the truth. Visiting the darkest dungeons of imperial France, using modern scientific experiments, and researching long forgotten document, they build a compelling and scandalous account of true story behind the myth of the Man in the Iron Mask.

• Struan Rodger