A History of the World in 100 Objects

Explore the power and intrigue of the ancient Maya royal courts with a limestone relief carving depicting a king and his wife engaged in ritual bloodletting. Learn about the enigmatic abandoned cities and ultimate collapse of the Maya civilization. Discover the symbolism of self-inflicted pain and the consequences of a queen's self-mortification. Uncover the significance of bloodletting in Maya culture and the ongoing efforts of the Maya people to preserve their heritage after the decline of their civilization.

Explore the Silk Road, an ancient trade route connecting the Pacific to the Mediterranean. Learn about a fragile painting from the Buddhist kingdom of Khotan illustrating the secrets of silk manufacture. Hear from Yo Yo Ma and Colin Thubron about the impact of the Silk Road on the imagination. Discover the movement of people, goods, ideas, and music along the Silk Road.

Explore the history of Korea's technological innovation and global trade. Learn about the significance of ceramic roof tiles and their cultural impact in Kyongju. Discover the contrasting characteristics of Korean and Chinese ceramics. Delve into the interpretation of history based on geographical location.

Explore the lost civilization of the Moche people in Peru through their remarkable pottery and sculptures. Learn about their state structure, advanced infrastructure, and the significance of Moche pottery. Uncover the mystery of their civilization's collapse and its influence on modern identities. Discover how Peru is shaping its identity based on its ancient civilizations, with a focus on the Moche civilization.

Discover the fascinating excavation at Sutton Hoo, the mystery of the missing body, the significance of the Sutton Hoo helmet, and its tie to the epic poem Beowulf. Explore the power and international connections of the Sutton Hoo burial ship, redefining our understanding of the Dark Ages.

Exploring the significance of gold coins minted by Abd al-Malik in Damascus, symbolizing the transformation of the city into the capital of a new Islamic empire. Abd al-Malik's manipulation of currency and integration of Arabic inscriptions on Islamic coins are discussed, highlighting the lasting impact of his rule and the first Islamic state.

Explore the significance of a bronze hand as a gift to a god in pre-Islamic Arabia. Learn about the society, religion, and trade routes of ancient Yemen. Discover the influences of the old pagan Arabian religion in Islam and the incorporation of elements from various faiths.

Exploring the historical significance of a mosaic portrait of Jesus Christ found in a Roman villa in Dorset, England. Discussion on the coexistence of pagan and Christian influences during Roman rule in Britain. Highlighting the use of pagan material in Christian art to convey its message of resurrection. Exploring the difficulties faced by Dorset artists in depicting Christ and the significance of Emperor Constantine's conversion. Discussion on the potential connections between the mosaic and pagan gods of death and resurrection.

Exploring a silver plate from the 4th Century Iran depicting King Shapur II hunting deer, this podcast discusses the connection between power, faith, and religious beliefs. It delves into the symbolism of the hunting scene and explores why Zoroastrianism, the state religion of the powerful Sasanian dynasty, failed to become a dominant world religion. The challenges faced by Zoroastrianism and its continued impact on the politics of the Middle East are also discussed.

Explore the reimagining of divine beings in various religions through the creation of new human forms. Dive into the Gupta dynasty's influential role in shaping Hinduism and their commissioning of temples and Hindu god images. Discover the religious practices of Khumra Gupta I through examination of two coins, depicting a ritual and promotion of Hinduism. Delve into the symbolism and religious significance of a gold coin depicting the god of war and King Kumaragupta I, showcasing the Gupta's impact on Hinduism and their political legacy in India.