AHOTW100_ShowCover_3000x3000px

A History of the World in 100 Objects

BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

BBC Radio 4

BBC Radio 4 LW

A History of the World in 100 Objects: 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.

Neil MacGregor explores the life and culture of ancient Egypt through the statue of Ramesses II that towers over British Museum visitors.

Director of the British Museum Neil MacGregor retells the history of human development from the first stone axe to the credit card, using 100 selected objects from the Museum.

The story arrives in Egypt around 1250 BC. At the heart of this programme is the British Museum's giant statue of the king Ramesses II, an inspiration to Shelley and a remarkable ruler who built monuments all over Egypt. He inspired a line of future pharaohs and was worshipped as a god a thousand years later. He lived to be over 90 and fathered some 100 children. 

Neil considers the achievements of Ramesses II in fixing the image of imperial Egypt for the rest of the world, and sculptor Antony Gormley, the man responsible for a contemporary giant statue, The Angel of the North, considers the towering figure of Ramesses as an enduring work of art.

Statue of Ramesses II

Factual: History

Director of the British Museum, Neil MacGregor, retells humanity's history through objects

Director of the British Museum, Neil MacGregor, narrates 100 programmes that retell humanity's history through the objects we have made.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

A History of the World in 100 Objects: The Beginning of Science and Literature (1500 - 700 BC)

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

4,000 years ago, societies began to express themselves through myth, maths and monuments

4,000 years ago societies were becoming more sophisticated. Among this week's objects are the earliest examples of literature and science

Statue of Ramesses

A History of the World in 100 Objects Omnibus

BBC Radio 4 - A History of the World in 100 Objects, The Beginning of Science and Literature (1500 - 700 BC), Statue of RamessesSearch BBC

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

Neil MacGregor explores the life and culture of ancient Egypt through the statue of Ramesses II that towers over British Museum visitors. Antony Gormley reflects on the work as art

A History of the World in 100 Objects has arrived in Egypt around 1250BC. At the heart of this programme is the British Museum's giant statue of the king Ramesses II, an inspiration to Shelly and a remarkable ruler who build monuments all over Egypt. He inspired a line of future pharaohs and was worshipped as a god a thousand years later. He lived to be over 90 and fathered some 100 children! Neil MacGregor considers the achievements of Ramesses II in fixing the image of imperial Egypt for the rest of the world. And the sculptor Antony Gormley, the man responsible for a contemporary giant statue, The Angel of the North, considers the towering figure of Ramesses as an enduring work of art.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

A History of the World in 100 Objects

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

Statue of Ramesses

Genres

Brand

Series

About this data