episode description
Louisiana homicide detective Rod Demery and world-renowned forensic scientist Turi King visit the ancient city of Verona, Italy, scene of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. They investigate the mysterious death of 14th century ruler, warlord Cangrande della Scala. The ferocious leader was a respected man of culture and patron to the poet Dante, but he died suddenly at the height of his powers after conquering the city of Treviso, aged only 38. Rumors suggested he was poisoned. Almost seven centuries after his death, modern scientists exhumed Cangrande for an autopsy, finding that his marble tomb had preserved his body in a mummy-like condition. Turi examines the scientific evidence revealed, while Rod investigates the motives of those who might have gained from Cangrande’s death. In this thrilling Renaissance world of political intrigue and violence, Rod’s suspects include Cangrande’s political enemies, his ambitious nephew Mastino, and an enemy-turned-friend who may have betrayed him.
