Secrets of the Dead

Understanding Ancient Artists through 'Handwriting' Analysis

Egyptologist and paleography expert Elizabeth Bettles analyzes hieroglyphs painted on the walls of tombs in the Theban necropolis. By identifying different "handwriting" techniques — distinct shapes, styles, spellings — she learns more about the artists themselves.

Understanding Ancient Artists through 'Handwriting' Analysis

1m 41s

  • Lost Treasures of Angkor – The Discovery: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Lost Treasures of Angkor – The Discovery

    S22 E3 - 55m 15s

    Angkor was the capital of the Khmer empire, which controlled much of the region between the 9th and 15th centuries. The stunning accomplishments of Angkor’s great kings are clear to see—but the period preceding the foundation of their great city is shrouded in mystery. Now, the discovery of an incredible hoard of stunning artifacts is providing surprising new clues about this early Khmer society.

  • Field of Vampires: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Field of Vampires

    S22 E2 - 55m 15s

    In 2022, a terrifying discovery: a female skeleton dating from 1650, buried with a sickle across her neck and giant padlock on her toe—double protection to keep her from rising from the dead. All the evidence points to her being buried as a vampire... and she’s not alone, with more than 50 deviant burials around her. Who was she and what did these burial rituals mean?

  • The Civil War's Lost Massacre: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    The Civil War's Lost Massacre

    S22 E1 - 55m 23s

    Originally a supply depot for Union forces in Kentucky, Camp Nelson became the site where 10,000 Black soldiers trained in the Civil War. But in the war’s last months, these soldiers were attacked by bitter Southerners. Their remains have never been found, and a team is dedicated to finding them to memorialize their service and heroism.

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