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Secrets of the Dead

Africa's Golden City

Season 23 Episode 5 | 55m 15s

Great Zimbabwe was one of the most prominent ancient civilizations of the African continent. Built between the 11th and 15th centuries by ancestors of today’s Shona people, it was the thriving capital of a massive trading empire — but for hundreds of years was dismissed by European explorers. Now, new archaeological discoveries are revealing the true scope of the ancient city's global importance.

Aired: 10/13/26 | Expires: 11/11/26
SECRETS OF THE DEAD is made possible, in part, by public television viewers.
Extras
Watch • 0:30
Secrets of the Dead
Preview | Finding America's Fallen
Explore the site of the Battle of Camden and its importance to the American Revolution.
Preview: S23 E8 | 0:30
Watch • 1:51
Secrets of the Dead
How Black Colonial Marines Changed the War of 1812
Formerly enslaved Americans formed Britain's Colonial Marines unit and marched on Washington, D.C.
Clip: S23 E7 | 1:51
Watch • 1:53
Secrets of the Dead
Fighting Erosion With Living Oyster Reefs
Tangier Island's lawns are turning into marshes. Can oyster reefs help?
Clip: S23 E7 | 1:53
Watch • 0:30
Secrets of the Dead
Preview | Saving Tangier Island
Scientists race to save the historic island on the Chesapeake Bay from rising sea levels.
Preview: S23 E7 | 0:30
Watch • 3:18
Secrets of the Dead
Uncovering Fort Albion's Forgotten Black Heroes
The search for a sunken fort uncovers a powerful freedom story.
Clip: S23 E7 | 3:18
Watch • 0:30
Secrets of the Dead
Preview | Raising Lady Liberty
See how the unique partnership between two countries made the iconic monument possible.
Preview: S23 E6 | 0:30
Watch • 1:29
Secrets of the Dead
The Hidden Chains Beneath the Statue of Liberty Explained
A controversial symbol was removed from Lady Liberty's original design. Here's why.
Clip: S23 E6 | 1:29
Watch • 2:28
Secrets of the Dead
How Lady Liberty's Giant Torch Was Built
Rare photographs reveal how the Statue of Liberty was constructed piece by piece.
Clip: S23 E6 | 2:28
Watch • 3:17
Secrets of the Dead
Chinese Pottery Reveals Great Zimbabwe’s Global Trade Network
Chinese pottery fragments reveal Great Zimbabwe’s far-reaching global trade network.
Clip: S23 E5 | 3:17
Watch • 2:07
Secrets of the Dead
A Mysterious Discovery at Great Zimbabwe
Discover a mysterious find that could reveal how people lived at Great Zimbabwe.
Clip: S23 E5 | 2:07
Latest Episodes
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  • Secrets of the Dead Season 23
  • Secrets of the Dead Season 22
  • Secrets of the Dead Season 21
  • Secrets of the Dead Season 20
  • Secrets of the Dead Season 19
  • Secrets of the Dead Season 18
  • Secrets of the Dead Season 17
  • Secrets of the Dead Season 16
  • Secrets of the Dead Season 15
  • Secrets of the Dead Season 14
  • Secrets of the Dead Season 13
  • Secrets of the Dead Season 12
  • Secrets of the Dead Season 11
  • Secrets of the Dead Season 10
  • Secrets of the Dead Season 9
  • Secrets of the Dead Season 8
  • Secrets of the Dead Season 7
  • Secrets of the Dead Season 6
  • Secrets of the Dead Season 5
  • Secrets of the Dead Season 4
Secrets of the Dead
Finding America's Fallen
Explore the site of the Battle of Camden and its importance to the American Revolution.
Episode: S23 E8
Secrets of the Dead
Saving Tangier Island
Scientists race to save the historic island on the Chesapeake Bay from rising sea levels.
Episode: S23 E7
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Raising Lady Liberty
See how the unique partnership between two countries made the iconic monument possible.
Episode: S23 E6
Watch • 55:15
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Episode: S23 E4 | 55:15
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Episode: S23 E3 | 55:15
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Episode: S23 E2 | 55:15
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Secrets of the Dead
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Watch • 55:15
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Episode: S22 E8 | 55:15