The World of Our Making (1914 - 2010 AD)

Russian revolutionary plate

Neil MacGregor nears the end of his world history - with a Russian revolutionary plate.

• 14 mins

The World of Our Making (1914 - 2010 AD)

Hockney's In the Dull Village

Neil MacGregor considers the state of human rights - with a David Hockney print.

• 15 mins

The World of Our Making (1914 - 2010 AD)

Throne of Weapons

Neil MacGregor with an African throne - made from decommissioned guns.

• 15 mins

The World of Our Making (1914 - 2010 AD)

Credit card

Neil MacGregor with a credit card - one that is compliant with Sharia law.

• 15 mins

The World of Our Making (1914 - 2010 AD)

Solar-powered lamp and charger

Neil MacGregor's last object in his world history - a solar-powered lamp and charger.

• 18 mins

Making Us Human (2,000,000 - 9000 BC)

Mummy of Hornedjitef

Neil MacGregor retells humanity's history through the objects it has made

• 14 mins

Making Us Human (2,000,000 - 9000 BC)

Olduvai Stone Chopping Tool

Every object has a story; Neil MacGregor continues his material history of human society

• 14 mins

Making Us Human (2,000,000 - 9000 BC)

Olduvai Handaxe

Neil MacGregor continues his history of human society with the story of a handaxe

• 14 mins

Making Us Human (2,000,000 - 9000 BC)

Swimming Reindeer

Neil MacGregor investigates how humanity's development is reflected in the things it makes

• 14 mins

Making Us Human (2,000,000 - 9000 BC)

Clovis Spear Point

Neil MacGregor reveals how man-made objects reflect the story of human development

• 14 mins

After the Ice Age: Food and Sex (9000 - 3500 BC)

Bird-shaped Pestle

Neil MacGregor reveals how man-made objects reflect the story of human development

• 14 mins

After the Ice Age: Food and Sex (9000 - 3500 BC)

Ain Sakri Lovers Figuerine

Neil MacGregor's material history of human society - the story of two lovers

• 14 mins

After the Ice Age: Food and Sex (9000 - 3500 BC)

Egyptian Clay Model of Cattle

Neil MacGregor tells the colourful tale of four Egyptian clay cows older than the pyramids

• 14 mins

After the Ice Age: Food and Sex (9000 - 3500 BC)

Maya Maize God Statue

Neil MacGregor discovers how the early Mayans of Central America created a god out of food

• 14 mins

After the Ice Age: Food and Sex (9000 - 3500 BC)

Jomon Pot

Neil MacGregor tells the story of a 7,000-year-old Japanese pot and a forgotten people

• 14 mins

The First Cities and States (4000 - 2000 BC)

King Den's Sandal Label

Neil MacGregor's world history told through objects. Today, a great Pharaoh's sandal label

• 14 mins

The First Cities and States (4000 - 2000 BC)

Standard of Ur

Neil MacGregor's global history told through objects. Today, battle scenes from Iraq.

• 14 mins

The First Cities and States (4000 - 2000 BC)

Indus Seal

Neil MacGregor's global history told through objects - stone seals from the Indus Valley.

• 14 mins

The First Cities and States (4000 - 2000 BC)

Jade Axe

Neil MacGregor's global history told through objects - a 6,000-year-old axe found in Kent.

• 14 mins

The First Cities and States (4000 - 2000 BC)

Early Writing Tablet

Neil MacGregor explores early writing through a 5,000-year-old tablet about beer!

• 14 mins

The Beginning of Science and Literature (1500 - 700 BC)

Flood tablet

Neil MacGregor's world history - an account of a great flood much older than the Bible.

• 14 mins

The Beginning of Science and Literature (1500 - 700 BC)

Rhind Mathematical Papyrus

Neil MacGregor describes man's early calculations on an Egyptian papyrus fragment

• 14 mins

The Beginning of Science and Literature (1500 - 700 BC)

Minoan Bull Leaper

Neil MacGregor's history arrives at a Minoan treasure and a dangerous hobby from 1700 BC

• 14 mins

The Beginning of Science and Literature (1500 - 700 BC)

Mold Gold Cape

Neil MacGregor tells the story of a gold cape found in Wales and made over 3500 years ago.

• 14 mins

The Beginning of Science and Literature (1500 - 700 BC)

Statue of Ramesses

The world of Egypt as ruled by Ramesses II and told through one of his giant statues

• 14 mins

Old World, New Powers (1100 - 300 BC)

Lachish Reliefs

Neil MacGregor's world history continues with images of war made over 2500 years ago

• 14 mins

Old World, New Powers (1100 - 300 BC)

Sphinx of Taharqo

Neil MacGregor's history of the world told through objects; a sphinx with a pharaoh's head

• 14 mins

Old World, New Powers (1100 - 300 BC)

Chinese Zhou Ritual Vessel

Neil MacGregor's world history told through objects arrives in China 3000 years ago

• 14 mins

Old World, New Powers (1100 - 300 BC)

Paracas Textile Fragment

Neil MacGregor's world history through objects. Today: ancient textiles from Peru

• 14 mins

Old World, New Powers (1100 - 300 BC)

Gold Coin of Croesus

Neil MacGregor's retelling of history through objects - gold coins of Croesus

• 14 mins