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Secrets of the Dead

Preview | Cracking the Queen's Code

See how secret letters written by Mary, Queen of Scots, were finally decoded.

10/22/2025

Secrets of the Dead

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.

10/22/2025

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The Secret Letters of Mary, Queen of Scots Finally Decoded

Video has Closed Captions

Clip: S22 Ep9 | 1m 53s | After months decoding mysterious letters, codebreakers realize they may belong to Mary Stuart. (1m 53s)

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