A History of the World in 100 Objects

Moai statue from the Island of Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island. Director of the British Museum, Neil MacGregor, looks at one of the most instantly recognisable sculptures in the world: a giant stone carving from Easter Island in the Pacific Ocean. Why were these deeply mysterious objects made and why were many ultimately toppled over? Internationally-renowned sculptor Sir Anthony Caro and Steve Hooper, an expert on the arts of the Pacific, both respond to this monumental work of devotion.

Stone statue made in Mexico and associated with two goddesses. Director of the British Museum, Neil MacGregor examines a sandstone sculpture of a goddess made by the Huastec people of present-day Mexico. The figure stands bare breasted with hands folded over her stomach, wearing a remarkable fan-shaped headdress. This Huastec mother-goddess also became associated with the later Aztec goddess of sexuality and fertility, Tlazolteotl.

Indian temple statue of divine Hindu couple, Shiva and Parvati. Director of the British Museum, Neil MacGregor, discusses a magnificent stone sculpture showing two of the most beloved and familiar figures of Hinduism. The vehicles of the deities, a bull and a lion, and their children sit at their feet, while a host of supporting musicians and attendants swirl around their heads. But how images like this help cement the relationship between deity and devotee?

Icon from Constantinople showing the Triumph of Orthodoxy. Director of the British Museum, Neil MacGregor, tells the story of the overthrow of iconoclasm and the restoration of holy images in AD 843, a moment of triumph for the Orthodox branch of the Christian church. This icon shows the annual festival of orthodoxy celebrated on the first Sunday of Lent, with historical figures of that time and a famous depiction of the Virgin Mary.

Christian reliquary from medieval Europe. Director of the British Museum, Neil MacGregor, examines an object designed to connect with Christ himself. He tells the story of this highly ornate reliquary which was made to house a thorn from the crown of thorns placed on Christ’s head at the crucifiction. Sister Benedicta Ward and the Archbishop of Leeds, the Right Rev Arthur Roche, help explain the powerful tradition of relic worship.

Wooden seat carved in the shape of an ancestor spirit by the Taino, one of the pre-European, native Caribbean peoples. Neil MacGregor, Director of the British Museum, tells the story of a beautifully carved four-legged stool which has survived the destruction of the Caribbean culture that produced it. Its long shape and wide-eyed face probably belonged to a chief, or 'cacique', of the Taino people who originated in South America and populated the whole region.

A pair of vases from the Yuan dynasty in China, made from instantly-recognisable blue and white porcelain. Neil MacGregor, Director of the British Museum, describes the history of porcelain and the use of these vases in a temple setting. Historian Craig Clunas talks about the volatile world of Yuan China and writer Jenny Uglow tries to put her finger on why we find Chinese porcelain so appealing.

Head of an Oni, a ruler of Ife in Nigeria, one of medieval Africa's most powerful and wealthy kingdoms. With deeply naturalistic features, it is widely considered as one of the greatest achievements of world art. Neil MacGregor, Director of the British Museum, examines the political, economic and spiritual life of the Yoruba city state that produced it. With contributions from writer Ben Okri and the art historian Babatunde Lawal, who considers its role in traditional tribal life.

Astronomical instrument from medieval Spain which could perform multiple tasks, from working out the time to preparing horoscopes. Originating from Spain at a time when Christianity, Islam and Judaism coexisted there, this instrument carries symbols recognisable to all three religions. Neil MacGregor, Director of the British Museum, considers who it was made for and how it was used. Historian Sir John Elliott discusses the political and religious climate of 14th-century Spain.

Ivory chess pieces found in the Outer Hebrides. They take us to the world of Northern Europe at a time when Norway ruled parts of Scotland. Neil MacGregor, Director of the British Museum, describes the medieval world of the Chessmen and explains how the game evolved. Historian Miri Rubin considers the genesis of the pieces and the novelist Martin Amis celebrates the metaphorical power of chess.

Pieces of broken pottery found on the island of Kilwa Kisiwani, off the coast of Tanzania. Neil MacGregor, Director of the British Museum, sifts through a selection of broken pots, found on a beach. He finds the variety of glazes and decorations reveal a string of thriving communities along the East African coast with links across the Indian Ocean and beyond. Historian Bertram Mapunda and writer Abdulrazak Gurnah help piece together the cross-cultural mix that produced the Swahili culture and language.

Head of a Buddha statue from Borobudur in Java. Neil MacGregor, Director of the British Museum, examines a stone head from Borobudur, one of the world's greatest monuments. He looks at the monument, which is built from one-and-a-half million blocks of stone and devised as an architectural aid to spiritual practice, and considers the trade routes that brought Buddhism to South East Asia. With contributions from anthropologist Nigel Barley and writer and Buddhist teacher Stephen Batchelor.

Bronze mirror decorated with dancing cranes. Neil MacGregor, Director of the British Museum, looks at this mirror which comes from a time when the Japanese suddenly cut themselves off from the outside world and stopped all official contact with China, a country it had frequently borrowed ideas from. Writer Ian Buruma and archaeologist Harada Masayuki help tell the story of the Heian period of Japanese history, a moment of great cultural awakening.

Glass beaker from central Europe probably made by a Muslim craftsman. Neil MacGregor, Director of the British Museum, examines a glass beaker made in Syria or Egypt at a time when Christians were warring with Muslims in the crusades. The glass became associated with the miracles of a Christian saint, Hedwig, who turned water into wine when it touched her lips. But how did Islamic glass reach Christian Europe during the Crusades?

Hoard of coins and other items buried in a silver cup. Neil MacGregor, Director of the British Museum, examines a great Viking treasure hoard that was discovered by metal detectors in a field in North Yorkshire. This recent discovery consists of over 600 coins, from as far away as Afghanistan and Iraq, and dates back to the 10th century. Neil describes what the England of the early 900s was really like, and unravels the cliches that abound about the Vikings.