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Secrets of the Dead

Preview | Cracking the Queen's Code

Season 22 Episode 9 | 32s

In early 2023, three amateur codebreakers announced they had successfully decoded the secret correspondence of one of the most tragic characters in European history: Mary, Queen of Scots. 57 encrypted letters detail the exiled queen’s efforts to free herself from imprisonment and gain advantage over her rival, Queen Elizabeth. Now, after four centuries, Mary’s urgent pleas can be revealed.

SECRETS OF THE DEAD is made possible, in part, by public television viewers.
Extras
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Secrets of the Dead
Preview | China's Bronze Kingdom
The chance discovery of a jade artifact unearths an ancient Chinese city.
Preview: S23 E1 | 0:32
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Ancient gravestones in Kyrgyzstan hint the Black Death began long before it reached Europe.
Clip: S22 E10 | 3:21
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The Black Death may have killed nearly 50 percent of the Europe's population.
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Secrets of the Dead
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In 1347, ships reached Sicily with the Black Death. In a year, it spread across Europe to England.
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Secrets of the Dead
The Black Death Journal
The haunting journal of Agnolo di Tura reveals the horrors of the Black Plague.
Clip: S22 E10 | 1:57
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The Secret Letters of Mary, Queen of Scots Finally Decoded
After months decoding mysterious letters, codebreakers realize they may belong to Mary Stuart.
Clip: S22 E9 | 1:53
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Secrets of the Dead
How Mary, Queen of Scots Smuggled Letters Past Her Guards
To smuggle her encrypted messages beyond the prison walls, Mary must rely on unconventional methods.
Clip: S22 E9 | 2:02
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The Marriage that Destroyed Mary Stuart
Mary weds Darnley to secure her crown, but her perfect match soon becomes a dangerous mistake.
Clip: S22 E9 | 2:33
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Secrets of the Dead
The Secret Code of Mary, Queen of Scots
As a child Mary loved writing in code. As a captive queen, it became essential to her survival.
Clip: S22 E9 | 1:14
All
  • All
  • Secrets of the Dead Season 23
  • Secrets of the Dead Season 22
  • Secrets of the Dead Season 21
  • Secrets of the Dead Season 20
  • Secrets of the Dead Season 19
  • Secrets of the Dead Season 18
  • Secrets of the Dead Season 17
  • Secrets of the Dead Season 16
  • Secrets of the Dead Season 15
  • Secrets of the Dead Season 14
  • Secrets of the Dead Season 13
  • Secrets of the Dead Season 12
  • Secrets of the Dead Season 11
  • Secrets of the Dead Season 10
  • Secrets of the Dead Season 9
  • Secrets of the Dead Season 8
  • Secrets of the Dead Season 7
  • Secrets of the Dead Season 6
  • Secrets of the Dead Season 5
  • Secrets of the Dead Season 4
Secrets of the Dead
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The chance discovery of a jade artifact unearths an ancient Chinese city.
Episode: S23 E1
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Secrets of the Dead
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Scientists study medieval bubonic plague victims in hopes of preventing future outbreaks.
Episode: S22 E10 | 55:15
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Secrets of the Dead
Cracking the Queen's Code
See how secret letters written by Mary, Queen of Scots, were finally decoded.
Episode: S22 E9 | 55:15
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An unprecedented discovery could reveal new information about Cleopatra’s reign.
Episode: S22 E8 | 55:15
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The spectacular arena showcasing Ancient Rome’s power also contributed to its downfall.
Episode: S22 E7 | 55:15
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Episode: S23 E2
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Historian Jonathan Petropoulos investigates the post-war life of former Nazi art dealer Bruno Lohse.
Episode: S22 E6 | 54:25
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Episode: S22 E4 | 55:15
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Episode: S22 E3 | 55:15