Monday Madness: A History of the World in 100 Objects

Daisy here! As it was my first official day back at uni today I though I'd at least be a partially good student and blog about my degree topic - History. WOOOO! When people ask me what I am studying at university and I tell them 'History and Ancient History' I often get the same reaction - a puzzled and disgusted look that says 'WHHHYYY, dear god why?!?!'. Its only through this process that I have discovered that a lot of people either simply aren't interested in history or actively dislike it and of course as a Historian this totally baffles me. Now before I completely go off on one and start ranting about how History basically encompasses everything in the world ever, I'll shush and get to the point of this post - something I hope might convince people to give History another go (I promise its no where near as boring as your year 9 History teacher made it).

'A History of the World in 100 Objects' is joint production of the BBC and the British Museum that comprises a 100 part radio series originally broadcast in 2010 but is now available as a downloadable podcast. Every 15 minute episode focuses on a different object in the museum's collection, using the objects to explore the history of the world from 2 million years ago right up until the present day. Basically its incredible. The series is written and presented by the amazing British Museum Director Neil MacGregor, seriously do not listen to them when you are tired because his eloquent hot-chocolaty voice will send you right off to sleep. Objects range from a 1.4 million year old flint hand axe to a 2009 Sharia law compliant credit card and whatever the object may be it always unlocks a fascinating period of human history.

Another thing that many people seem to find boring are museums. It can be uninspiring walking around a museum and seeing a room full of objects that you know nothing about and whilst some pieces are interesting on their own, this series really takes objects and tells their story. The things in those vast rooms have so much to tell us and often we don't realise how even the smallest most insignificant looking thing can be of huge importance in the course of world history. 'A History of the World' really puts these objects into context and paints for us a rich picture of the period in history in which they belong - helped along by some very calming and whimsical music that changes week on week to reflect the time period being covered. Its a terrible cliche but you really are transported to another time and place through the telling of their stories through objects, from 7th century BC Iraq to England in the 1960s at the start of the sexual revolution.

These programmes are so very detailed and focused in on specific periods yet somehow still manage to give a comprehensive account of the history of the entire world which I think is an incredible feat in under three hours all-together. They cover such a range of massive topics from the bigguns' like war, love, food, religion, money and international relations as well as delving into all sorts of others like sexuality, piracy, weapons,  tea etiquette, national traditions and so, so many more - the list could go on forever. Seriously whatever floats your boat, there will be something that peaks your interest among these brilliant podcasts.

So whether you already dig History or not hopefully I have brought something to peoples attention that you might really enjoy. I like to listen to them in the car, when I'm out walking or when I'm just slobbing around in my bedroom - you can essentially absorb 2 million years of History without even trying or getting out of your pajamas. Either go to the BBC website which I will put below or if you have an iPhone, go on the podcast app and search 'BBC History' and all 100 are there for you to download - it takes seconds! Just download a couple (it doesn't matter which they're all excellent) give them a listen and if you STILL aren't interested in History then you've only lost half an hour of your life! If you've made it this far, thanks for reading and not switching off as soon as you read the first sentence.

Lots of luuuurve,
Daisy

http://www.bbc.co.uk/ahistoryoftheworld/
(watch the video '100 objects in 5 minutes' for a little taster)