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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: Empire Builders (300 BC - AD 10): Rosetta Stone

Rosetta Stone

Empire Builders (300 BC - AD 10)

A History of the World in 100 Objects Omnibus

BBC Radio 4 - A History of the World in 100 Objects, Empire Builders (300 BC - AD 10), Rosetta StoneSearch BBC

Neil MacGregor with one of the past's most recognisable objects; the Rosetta Stone

The story behind one of the most familiar objects at the British Museum - the Rosetta Stone. Neil MacGregor describes a power struggle in ancient Egypt 

Today's programme finds Neil MacGregor in the company of one of the best known inhabitants of the British Museum - the Rosetta Stone. Throughout this week he is exploring shifting empires and the rise of legendary rulers around the world over 2000 years ago and here he takes us to the Egypt of Ptolemy V. He tells the story of the Greek kings who ruled in Alexandria. He also explains the struggle between the British and the French over the Middle East and their squabble over the stone. And, of course, he describes the astonishing contest that led to the most famous decipherment in history - the cracking of the hieroglyphics on the Rosetta Stone. Historian Dorothy Thompson and the writer Ahdaf Soueif help untangle the tale. 

Producer: Anthony Denselow

A History of the World in 100 Objects: Empire Builders (300 BC - AD 10)

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

Neil MacGregor launches the second part of his history of the world told through objects

Neil MacGregor continues his global history told through objects. This week he is with the great rulers of the world around 2,000 years ago

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A History of the World in 100 Objects

Empire Builders (300 BC - AD 10)

Rosetta Stone

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