BBC Radio 4 Extra

Noise: A Human History: Episode 1: Echoes in the Dark

Documentaries

Factual: History

Echoes in the Dark

Episode 1

Episode 1: Echoes in the Dark

Noise: A Human History

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Noise: A Human History, Echoes in the Dark

David Hendy begins his 30-part series in the prehistoric cave.

Neolithic cave dwellers may have associated cave echoes with the spirit world. David Hendy listens to evidence deep underground next to paintings of bison and birds.

What do caves tell us about the mind and beliefs of Neolithic people? With no scientific explanation to hand for the phenomenon of the echo, it was natural to assume it was a spirit voice.

Certain echoes sounded like the galloping hooves of beasts; others like the fluttering wings of birds. These echoes appeared to come from the rocks themselves. They moved, they were uncanny - all this hinting at a 'spirit world' within.

Professor David Hendy from the University of Sussex visits the caves of Arcy-sur-Cure in Burgundy with musicologist Iegor Reznikoff to listen to evidence deep underground next to paintings of bison and birds. 

A 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.

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.

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.

BBC Radio 4

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

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Noise: A Human History

Episode 1: Echoes in the Dark

Genres

Formats

Series

BBC Radio 4 Extra

About BBC Radio 4 Extra