Preview | Cracking the Queen's Code
Preview: Season 22 Episode 9 | 32sVideo has Closed Captions
See how secret letters written by Mary, Queen of Scots, were finally decoded.
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.
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SECRETS OF THE DEAD is made possible, in part, by public television viewers.
Preview | Cracking the Queen's Code
Preview: Season 22 Episode 9 | 32sVideo has Closed Captions
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.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
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Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship-On "Secrets of the Dead"... A queen living under house arrest.
-She's head of a government in exile.
-In captivity, she is still Mary, Queen of Scots.
-A lost cache of her letters, written in code.
-Cipher becomes so important to make sensitive information secret.
-Now, follow the team of codebreakers who are... Cracking the Queen's Code, on "Secrets of the Dead."
How Mary, Queen of Scots Smuggled Letters Past Her Guards
Video has Closed Captions
Clip: S22 Ep9 | 2m 2s | To smuggle her encrypted messages beyond the prison walls, Mary must rely on unconventional methods. (2m 2s)
The Marriage that Destroyed Mary Stuart
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Clip: S22 Ep9 | 2m 33s | Mary weds Darnley to secure her crown, but her perfect match soon becomes a dangerous mistake. (2m 33s)
The Secret Code of Mary, Queen of Scots
Video has Closed Captions
Clip: S22 Ep9 | 1m 14s | As a child Mary loved writing in code. As a captive queen, it became essential to her survival. (1m 14s)
The Secret Letters of Mary, Queen of Scots Finally Decoded
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Clip: S22 Ep9 | 1m 53s | After months decoding mysterious letters, codebreakers realize they may belong to Mary Stuart. (1m 53s)
Why Mary Wore Red to her Execution Death
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Clip: S22 Ep9 | 1m 32s | Moments before her execution, Mary had one last message to send to the world. (1m 32s)
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SECRETS OF THE DEAD is made possible, in part, by public television viewers.