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Cracking the Queen's Code

Season 22 Episode 9

In early 2003, 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
SECRETS OF THE DEAD is made possible, in part, by public television viewers.
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Extras
Could the discovery of a third portrait of William Shakespeare be a genuine article?
The chance discovery of a jade artifact unearths an ancient Chinese city.
See how secret letters written by Mary, Queen of Scots, were finally decoded.
An unprecedented discovery could reveal new information about Cleopatra’s reign.
The first gladiator bones ever found reveal a small but unmistakable detail about how they lived.
The spectacular arena showcasing Ancient Rome’s power also contributed to its downfall.
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Scientists study medieval bubonic plague victims in hopes of preventing future outbreaks.
Catch new episodes of Secrets of the Dead on Wednesdays starting October 8 at 10/9c.
Historian Jonathan Petropoulos investigates the post-war life of former Nazi art dealer Bruno Lohse.
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