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A History of the World in 100 Objects

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.

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A History of the World in 100 Objects: The World in the Age of Confucius (500 - 300 BC): Chinese Bronze Bell

Chinese Bronze Bell

The World in the Age of Confucius (500 - 300 BC)

A History of the World in 100 Objects Omnibus

BBC Radio 4 - A History of the World in 100 Objects, The World in the Age of Confucius (500 - 300 BC), Chinese Bronze BellSearch BBC

Neil Macgregor tells the story of a Chinese bronze bell from the age of Confucius

Neil MacGregor's history of the world through objects at the British Museum summons up the sound of China 2,500 years ago, with a bronze bell from the age of Confucius

This week Neil MacGregor is exploring the emergence of sophisticated new powers across the world 2500 years ago, from the Parthenon in Greece, to the great empire of Cyrus in Persia and the forgotten people of the Olmec in Mexico. 

Today he arrives in China at the time of Confucius. He explores the Confucian view of the world with a large bronze bell - with help from the writer Isabel Hilton and the percussionist Evelyn Glennie. Confucius believed in a society that worked in harmony. How do his teachings go down in China today?


A History of the World in 100 Objects: The World in the Age of Confucius (500 - 300 BC)

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

Can meanings hidden in friezes and flagons tell us as much as the writings of great men?

2,500 years ago thinkers such as Confucius and Plato were exploring how people should live, but can objects like the Parthenon sculptures or a golden chariot tell us more?

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A History of the World in 100 Objects

The World in the Age of Confucius (500 - 300 BC)

Chinese Bronze Bell

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