Secrets of the Dead

2000 • PBS
4.7
23 reviews
TV-14
Rating
Eligible
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Season 3 episodes (3)

1 The Real Trojan Horse
10/13/15
The tale of the Trojan Horse is one of the most captivating stories in Greek mythology. Immortalized in the literary blockbusters of Homer and Virgil, it features some of the most famous faces in Greek legend, from Helen of Troy to Aphrodite and Achilles. Since the 19th-century discovery of the site of Troy in modern-day Turkey, historians have searched tirelessly for evidence of a real Trojan War, Troy's demise, and the truth behind this world famous myth. Now, archaeological evidence is mounting that suggests a Trojan War did indeed happen. What's more, the city's defenses were so impenetrable, that some historians are asking whether the Trojan Horse - generally thought to have been a myth - could actually explain how the enemy got inside the walls. Now, scientists explore how discoveries of charred bones and arrowheads point toward a violent showdown around 1200 BC, exposing the true scale of Troy's defenses and supplies, and investigate the real possibility that a Trojan Horse could have been used to trick Troy into defeat.
2 Vampire Legend
10/27/15
Season-only
Bram Stoker penned his gothic horror "Dracula" in 1887 and popularized the modern vampire myth — but evidence now points to those myths originating in England, not Eastern Europe as many believe. Unexplained burials, identified as 'deviant' and 'cursed' by their contemporaries, were detailed in Stoker's original research notes and drafts, discovered by his great-grandson in the family archive. Oxford professor John Blair follows clues in medieval burials in England that may offer insight into physiological reasons for the formation of the myths. The cases hint at a deeply-held belief that the dead could rise and bring fear to the living…a belief that predates the Eastern European lore and is forcing a reexamination of the modern vampire legend.
3 Jamestown's Dark Winter
11/24/15
A team of archaeologists excavating the site of an early American colony discovers something surprising: the remains of a young woman, dating back to 1609, buried in the trash layer of a cellar. She was one of the early settlers sent over from England to Jamestown with the intention of establishing a thriving settlement that would enact lucrative trade systems with the local Powhatan tribe. Unfortunately, the alliance was precarious and provisions were in short supply. As winter fell, the colony quickly crumbled. The Powhatan Indians were unwilling to help the settlers, killing anyone who ventured outside the fort to forage. Trapped behind their wooden palisades, supplies quickly dwindled - leading to tactics that were disgustingly primeval yet necessary for survival. Now, 400 years later, a cellar excavation has uncovered numerous bone fragments - all belonging to this adolescent female. More surprising than their location are the interesting cut marks on the lower jaw and front of the cranium. With the help of forensic anthropologists, the extraordinary and frightening story of this young woman comes to life.

About this show

Secrets of the Dead is part detective story, part true-life drama that unearths evidence from around the world, challenging prevailing ideas and throwing fresh light on unexplained events.

Ratings and reviews

4.7
23 reviews
Meghan Jones
September 16, 2016
This is one of my favorite series, because they don't just do accepted stuff, they do crackpot theories, and give them a real test. Its wonderful and world opening. If you're looking for more episodes, they're streaming for free at pbs.org, but you can't download them. If you want to make sure you have your favorites, definitely buy here. Highly recommend the vampire one.
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Jade Iroq
September 21, 2016
Im from the 4 corner region of the southwestern United States. I love everything Anasazi, Meso-American or Pre-Columbian history. Anyone know where else I can find that episode?
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A Google user
August 20, 2016
I would rather watch the drama and suspense of unlocking history's secrets than the trashy offerings of major TV networks today, any day.
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