Secrets of the Dead

Resurrecting Richard III

Find out what the bones of King Richard III reveal about his fitness for battle. When a group of amateur historians set out to find the bones of Richard III under a parking lot in England, everyone thought they were mad. Until, a skeleton - hunchbacked and with an arrow in its spine - emerged.

Preview | Resurrecting Richard III

43s

In 2011, a group of amateur historians made an incredible archaeological find: the bones of King Richard III, hunchbacked, with an arrow through the spine. Richard is thought of as the most evil king to have ruled England and also as a fearsome warrior, despite the extreme curvature of his spine. Now, scientists are testing the bones to find out more about the king.

Previews + Extras

  • Richard’s Body Double: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Richard’s Body Double

    S13 E6 - 3m 39s

    26-year-old Dominic Smee has the exact kind of scoliosis to the same degree as Richard III. The team studying Richard III will train and test Dominic to find out exactly what Richard was capable of. Resurrecting Richard III premieres on Wednesday, September 24th at 10 p.m. on PBS. (Check local listings)

  • Did Richard III Maintain a Healthy Diet from Birth to Death?: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Did Richard III Maintain a Healthy Diet from Birth to Death?

    S13 E6 - 2m 20s

    A team of scientists has traveled to Richard’s birthplace in Northamptonshire to find out if he was a fit and capable warrior at the Battle of Bosworth. By analyzing the chemical isotopes in Richard’s teeth, legs and ribs, they can create a complete profile of Richard’s diet over the course of his life. Resurrecting Richard III premieres on Wednesday, September 24th at 10 p.m. on PBS.

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