Up Next
Back to Show
Secrets of the Dead
The Rise of the Body Snatchers
In the 18th century, private anatomy schools were set up across London to give medical students the opportunity to learn anatomy by dissecting human cadavers. But supply lagged behind demand. Anatomists needed many more bodies than the ones of hanged murderers, which were the only bodies legally available at that time for their study. This created a business for body snatchers.
Support Provided By
Unlock with PBS Passport
55:15
Learn the untold story of Maria Anna Mozart, Wolfgang’s older sister and collaborator.
Unlock with PBS Passport
54:45
Archaeologists search for Assyrian artifacts that survived the Isis occupation of Mosul.
Unlock with PBS Passport
55:15
Find out if the 15th-century murder of two princes in the Tower of London can be solved.
Unlock with PBS Passport
55:15
Uncover the only evidence of crucifixion in Roman-occupied Britain.
54:45
Discover the untold story of Paris’ most famous landmark and the race to top 1,000 feet.
Unlock with PBS Passport
55:01
Discover the world of dinosaur fossil collecting, an unusual hobby with a growing market.
Unlock with PBS Passport
55:15
Explore the sunken remains of an early Christian basilica in western Turkey.
Unlock with PBS Passport
55:15
Learn about the captain of a “mystery ship” who turned away from the "unsinkable" Titanic.
Unlock with PBS Passport
55:41
Follow historian James Holland as he unearths the truth about amphetamine use in WWII.
Unlock with PBS Passport
55:11
Archaeologists discover a mass grave with the bones of nearly 60 people near Luxor, Egypt.
Unlock with PBS Passport
55:41
New evidence suggests the legend of King Arthur began in a Dark Ages trading village.
Unlock with PBS Passport
55:10
Where did Hannibal and his army cross the Alps to launch a surprise attack on Rome?