📜 What Is the Magna Carta REALLY About?

🎥 Watch the video — then scroll down to explore the full story!

In May 2025, something incredible was found — hidden in a basement at Harvard University. It wasn’t buried treasure or a secret lab...It was a rare original copy of the Magna Carta, a document over 800 years old!

So... what is the Magna Carta? Why is it so important? And what does it have to do with kings, rules, and freedom? Let’s find out in this kid-friendly explainer from The Curious Professors! 👇

Experts are calling it one of the most exciting discoveries in recent history.Because only a few original copies exist — and many have been lost to time. So what is this “Magna Carta” anyway?

Well, back in the year 1215, a king named King John was making a royal mess of things.He was taking land, raising taxes, and ignoring the rules. The people — especially the nobles — weren’t happy. So they made him sign something: a document that said even the king had to follow the law.

This document was called the Magna Carta.That means “Great Charter” in Latin. It was a big deal because it said: 👉 No one is above the law — not even the king 👉 People have rights, and rulers can’t just ignore them.

Even though the Magna Carta was written for nobles in 1215, its ideas helped shape many countries — including the United States.The U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights were inspired by it! So when historians at Harvard realized they had a real Magna Carta in their library basement... they were amazed! It had been sitting in storage for years, without anyone realizing just how rare and powerful it was. And yes — it was found in a scroll.Not the kind you click, but the kind you unroll!

So what have we learned today, my scroll-searching scholars?

The Magna Carta was signed in 1215 to make sure kings had to follow the rules.And even 800 years later, its ideas still shape the world we live in. And remember — even the oldest scrolls can hold some brand-new surprises.So always stay curious, and keep digging for truth…Preferably not in the Harvard library basement! 😄

👀 Want to rewatch or share with students? https://youtu.be/UFHtdM162Ek