History of the World in 100 Objects

History of the World in 100 Objects is a BBC Radio 4 series that explores the history of the world through 100 objects from the British Museum collection, including the Rosetta Stone, Magna Carta, and Lewis Chessmen. The series, presented by Neil MacGregor, Director of the British Museum, features objects from Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, and other civilizations such as the Maya civilization, Inca Empire, and Ming dynasty. The series also includes objects from European history, such as the Holy Roman Empire, Byzantine Empire, and Ottoman Empire, as well as objects from Asian history, including the Qing dynasty, Mughal Empire, and Tokugawa shogunate.

Introduction to the Series

The History of the World in 100 Objects series was first broadcast in 2010 and features 100 episodes, each focusing on a single object from the British Museum collection, including the Elgin Marbles, Portland Vase, and Warwick Vase. The series explores the history of the world from the Stone Age to the present day, covering objects from Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, including the Viking Age, Crusades, and Age of Exploration. The series features contributions from experts such as Simon Schama, Doris Lessing, and Seamus Heaney, as well as Nelson Mandela, Rowan Williams, and Aung San Suu Kyi.

Concept and Creation

The concept for the series was developed by Neil MacGregor and the British Museum team, including Jared Diamond, Niall Ferguson, and Eric Hobsbawm. The series was created in partnership with the BBC, BBC Radio 4, and the British Museum, with support from the Arts Council England, Heritage Lottery Fund, and Department for Culture, Media and Sport. The series features objects from the British Museum collection, including the Sutton Hoo helmet, Lindow Man, and Mildenhall Treasure, as well as objects on loan from other museums, such as the Louvre, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and State Hermitage Museum.

List of 100 Objects

The list of 100 objects includes a wide range of artifacts, such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, Gutenberg Bible, and First Folio of William Shakespeare. The list also includes objects from science and technology, such as the Antikythera mechanism, Astrolabe, and Pendulum clock, as well as objects from art and culture, including the Mona Lisa, The Night Watch, and Guernica. The list features objects from historical events, such as the Battle of Hastings, Battle of Waterloo, and Battle of Gettysburg, as well as objects from cultural movements, including the Renaissance, Enlightenment, and Romanticism.

Object Themes and Categories

The 100 objects are grouped into several themes and categories, including humanity, faith, power, and trade. The objects are also categorized by time period, including ancient civilizations, medieval period, early modern period, and modern era. The series features objects from Africa, including the Kingdom of Kongo, Ashanti Empire, and Zulu Kingdom, as well as objects from Asia, including the Qin dynasty, Tang dynasty, and Mongol Empire. The series also includes objects from European history, such as the Roman Empire, Byzantine Empire, and Holy Roman Empire.

Impact and Legacy

The History of the World in 100 Objects series has had a significant impact on the public's understanding of history and culture, with contributions from experts such as David Attenborough, Stephen Hawking, and Jane Goodall. The series has been widely praised for its innovative approach to storytelling and its ability to make complex historical concepts accessible to a wide audience, including school children, university students, and general public. The series has also been recognized with several awards, including the BBC Audio Drama Award, Sony Radio Academy Award, and Prix Italia.

Exhibition and Touring History

The History of the World in 100 Objects exhibition has been touring the world since 2010, with stops at museums such as the National Museum of Australia, National Museum of China, and National Museum of Korea. The exhibition features many of the objects from the series, including the Lewis Chessmen, Magna Carta, and Rosetta Stone, as well as other objects from the British Museum collection, such as the Elgin Marbles and Portland Vase. The exhibition has been seen by millions of people around the world, including visitors from United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe, and has been accompanied by a range of events and activities, including lectures, workshops, and guided tours. Category:History