A History of the World in 100 Objects Episodes Available now
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Statue of Ramesses—The Beginning of Science and Literature (1500 - 700 BC)
5/5 The world of Egypt as ruled by Ramesses II and told through one of his giant statues
![](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320x180/p01gnt5h.jpg)
Mold Gold Cape—The Beginning of Science and Literature (1500 - 700 BC)
4/5 Neil MacGregor tells the story of a gold cape found in Wales and made over 3500 years ago.
![](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320x180/p01gnrhy.jpg)
Minoan Bull Leaper—The Beginning of Science and Literature (1500 - 700 BC)
3/5 Neil MacGregor's history arrives at a Minoan treasure and a dangerous hobby from 1700 BC
![](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320x180/p01gnr7m.jpg)
Rhind Mathematical Papyrus—The Beginning of Science and Literature (1500 - 700 BC)
2/5 Neil MacGregor describes man's early calculations on an Egyptian papyrus fragment
![](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320x180/p01gnqmw.jpg)
Flood tablet—The Beginning of Science and Literature (1500 - 700 BC)
1/5 Neil MacGregor's world history - an account of a great flood much older than the Bible.
![](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320x180/p01gnknl.jpg)
Early Writing Tablet—The First Cities and States (4000 - 2000 BC)
5/5 Neil MacGregor explores early writing through a 5,000-year-old tablet about beer!
![](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320x180/p01gnjjf.jpg)
Jade Axe—The First Cities and States (4000 - 2000 BC)
4/5 Neil MacGregor's global history told through objects - a 6,000-year-old axe found in Kent.
![](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320x180/p01gnhc8.jpg)
Indus Seal—The First Cities and States (4000 - 2000 BC)
3/5 Neil MacGregor's global history told through objects - stone seals from the Indus Valley.
![](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320x180/p01gnfz8.jpg)
Standard of Ur—The First Cities and States (4000 - 2000 BC)
2/5 Neil MacGregor's global history told through objects. Today, battle scenes from Iraq.
![](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320x180/p01gndvq.jpg)
King Den's Sandal Label—The First Cities and States (4000 - 2000 BC)
1/5 Neil MacGregor's world history told through objects. Today, a great Pharaoh's sandal label