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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
The Black Death may have killed nearly 50 percent of the Europe's population.
In 1347, ships reached Sicily with the Black Death. In a year, it spread across Europe to England.
The haunting journal of Agnolo di Tura reveals the horrors of the Black Plague.
Ancient gravestones in Kyrgyzstan hint the Black Death began long before it reached Europe.
To smuggle her encrypted messages beyond the prison walls, Mary must rely on unconventional methods.
Moments before her execution, Mary had one last message to send to the world.
As a child Mary loved writing in code. As a captive queen, it became essential to her survival.
Mary weds Darnley to secure her crown, but her perfect match soon becomes a dangerous mistake.
After months decoding mysterious letters, codebreakers realize they may belong to Mary Stuart.
Tiny lead tokens revealed the first clues to Cleopatra’s temple façade in Alexandria.