Premieres Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026 at 10 p.m. on KPBS TV / Stream with KPBS+
What if women were hidden among the ranks of Ancient Rome’s fearsome gladiators?
A group of experts searches for evidence to prove women once fought in the arena just like men. Combining history, archaeology, and forensic investigation, journey across Europe in a quest for answers.
If a female gladiator's existence can be proven definitively, what can we learn about their lives?
Watch On Your Schedule: SECRETS OF THE DEAD "Queens of Combat" will be available to stream with KPBS+, a new free streaming video app designed for ease and enjoyment everywhere you watch including Roku, smart TVs and mobile devices. It’s locally curated for San Diego by the KPBS programming team. With a clean and intuitive design, discovering and enjoying KPBS and PBS content on-demand has never been easier.
You can also tune in live to watch our four TV channels in real time: KPBS, KPBS 2, Create, KPBS Kids 24/7. We also added a new channel - FNX (First Nation Experience).
Your KPBS Passport member benefit works on KPBS+ too! You’ll have access to even more great shows when you simply log in with your KPBS Passport account.
Credits: Tomos TV (part of Zinc Media Group), in association with the WNET Group and Raw Cut Distribution. Narrated by Jay O. Sanders. Directed and produced by Susannah Ward. Executive producer for Raw Cut Distribution is Steve Warr. For SECRETS OF THE DEAD: Julian Lim is producer; Benjamin Phelps is senior supervising producer; Stephanie Carter is executive producer; Stephen Segaller is executive in charge.
