A History of the World in 100 Objects

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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 of Our Making (1914 - 2010 AD): Throne of Weapons

Throne of Weapons

The World of Our Making (1914 - 2010 AD)

A History of the World in 100 Objects Omnibus

BBC Radio 4 - A History of the World in 100 Objects, The World of Our Making (1914 - 2010 AD), Throne of Weapons

Neil MacGregor with an African throne - made from decommissioned guns.

Neil MacGregor is exploring the forces that helped create the modern world.  Today he is with guns in Africa and a remarkable throne made out of decommissioned weapons.

The history of humanity, as told through one hundred objects from the British Museum in London, is drawing to an end. 

Throughout this week, Neil MacGregor, the director of the British Museum in London, has been with things that help explain the modern world. He has explored political and sexual politics and freedoms, and now reflects on the impact of guns and weapons in the modern world - especially in Africa where thousands of children have been participants in brutal conflicts. 

He tells the story through a work of art - a sculptured throne made from decommissioned guns like the ubiquitous AK47.  We hear from Kester, the artist from Mozambique who created theThrone of Weapons and test the reaction to the piece of Kofi Annan, the former Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Producer: Anthony Denselow


A History of the World in 100 Objects: The World of Our Making (1914 - 2010 AD)

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 explores aspects of contemporary sexual, political and economic history.

Neil MacGregor concludes the series with five objects whose stories explore different aspects of our world from plastics to propaganda, sexual revolutions to war.

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A History of the World in 100 Objects

The World of Our Making (1914 - 2010 AD)

Throne of Weapons

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