4,000 years ago societies were becoming more sophisticated. Among this week's objects are the earliest examples of literature and science
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- A History of the World in 100 Objects
- The Beginning of Science and Literature (1500 - 700 BC)
The Beginning of Science and Literature (1500 - 700 BC)
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Statue of Ramesses II
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Available since Fri, 12 Feb 2010.
5/5. The world of Egypt as ruled by Ramesses II and told through one of his giant statues.
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Mold Gold Cape
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Available since Fri, 14 Jan 2011.
4/5. Neil MacGregor tells the story of a gold cape found in Wales and made over 3500 years ago.
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Minoan Bull Leaper
Listen now (15 minutes)
Available since Wed, 10 Feb 2010.
3/5. Neil MacGregor's history arrives at a Minoan treasure and a dangerous hobby from 1700 BC.
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Rhind Mathematical Papyrus
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Available since Tue, 9 Feb 2010.
2/5. Neil MacGregor describes man's early calculations on an Egyptian papyrus fragment.
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Flood Tablet
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Available since Mon, 8 Feb 2010.
1/5. Neil MacGregor gives an account of a great flood much older than the one told in the Bible
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Featured
The Beginning of Science and Literature (1500 - 700 BC)
The development of cities and states in different parts of the world had many important consequences. Two of these were the world’s earliest written literature and the development of scientific and mathematical knowledge. These states often fought each other, and rulers sought to demonstrate their success and power over their subjects through the creation of impressive monuments. Early societies did not exist in isolation, but were connected through extensive trade networks by road and also by sea. Although the majority of the world’s population lived in small villages, these people were also capable of creating sophisticated objects, monuments and cultures.
WHERE THESE OBJECTS WERE FOUND
16 Flood Tablet
17 Rhind Mathematical Papyrus
18 Minoan Bull Leaper
19 Mold Gold Cape
20 Statue of Ramesses II
Browse all the British Museum objects on the A History of the World
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