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Secrets of the Dead

Cracking the Queen's Code

Season 22 Episode 9 | 55m 15s

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.

Aired: 10/21/25 | Expires: 11/19/25
SECRETS OF THE DEAD is made possible, in part, by public television viewers.
Extras
Watch • 2:39
Secrets of the Dead
The Only Relief of Named Female Gladiators Ever Found
This rare depiction may be the greatest surviving monument to women in the Roman arena.
Clip: S23 E3 | 2:39
Watch • 2:59
Secrets of the Dead
An Everyday Roman Object Suggests Female Gladiators
A Roman oil lamp shows two female gladiators fighting like men—strong visual proof women fought.
Clip: S23 E3 | 2:59
Watch • 3:02
Secrets of the Dead
This Roman Statue Was Misidentified for 100 Years — Until Now
Once thought an athlete, this Roman statuette may depict a female gladiator in combat pose.
Clip: S23 E3 | 3:02
Watch • 2:22
Secrets of the Dead
A Roman Satirist Mocked Female Fighters. Was He Describing Real Gladiators?
Did Juvenal’s mockery prove female gladiators existed?
Clip: S23 E3 | 2:22
Watch • 2:54
Secrets of the Dead
This Roman Law May Be Proof of Female Gladiators
The ban hints at moral panic, and possibly the clearest proof that female gladiators truly existed.
Clip: S23 E3 | 2:54
Watch • 2:34
Secrets of the Dead
A Roman Poet’s Clue to Women Gladiators in the Arena
Martial described gladiatorial combat and hinted women fought—but can hand-copied texts be trusted?
Clip: S23 E3 | 2:34
Watch • 0:32
Secrets of the Dead
Preview | The Quest for Camelot
A professor seeks to prove Arthurian legends have roots in actual British history.
Preview: S23 E4 | 0:32
Watch • 0:32
Secrets of the Dead
Preview | Queens of Combat
Experts search for evidence that female gladiators once existed in Ancient Rome.
Preview: S23 E3 | 0:32
Watch • 1:24
Secrets of the Dead
Facial Recognition Finds 91% Match to Shakespeare
Facial recognition software suggests the portrait may depict William Shakespeare.
Clip: S23 E2 | 1:24
Watch • 2:02
Secrets of the Dead
X-Rays Reveal Hidden Clues: Is This the Only Portrait of Shakespeare from Life?
X-ray scans of the Wadlow Shakespeare portrait reveal details beneath several areas of overpaint.
Clip: S23 E2 | 2:02
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A professor seeks to prove Arthurian legends have roots in actual British history.
Episode: S23 E4
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Queens of Combat
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Episode: S23 E3
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Episode: S22 E8 | 55:15
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Episode: S22 E5 | 54:50
Watch • 55:15
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Episode: S22 E4 | 55:15