BBC Radio 4

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

Radio 4

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

BBC Radio 4 LW

Noise: A Human History: The Ecstatic Underground

The Ecstatic Underground

Noise: A Human History

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Noise: A Human History, The Ecstatic Underground

David Hendy eavesdrops on the private lives of early Christians.

Early Christians needed to be quiet - but often weren't. David Hendy explores the ecstatic sound-world of underground house churches in ancient Rome.

Christianity was just one of several cults that sprang up in ancient Rome. So the sound-world of the first Christians probably wasn't filled with the subdued voices, measured singing and solemn prayers that would later echo through the medieval churches and cathedrals of Western Europe. It was more Eastern in flavour - or more pagan.

Professor David Hendy explores the ecstatic soundscapes of underground house churches in ancient Rome. 

30-part series made in collaboration with the British Library Sound Archive.

Producer: Matt Thompson.
A Rockethouse production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in 2013.

BBC Radio 4 Extra

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama. With recent favourites from BBC Radio 4.

Documentaries

Factual: History

Prof David Hendy on the role of sound and listening in 100,000 years of human history.

Prof David Hendy presents a 30-part series exploring the role of sound, and listening, in the past 100,000 years of human history.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Noise: A Human History

The Ecstatic Underground

Genres

Series

BBC Radio 4 LW

About BBC Radio 4