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Status Symbols (AD 1100 - 1500)

Neil MacGregor continues his global history, shedding light on some of the great status symbols of taste and power owned by the wealthy and well-informed around 700 years ago.

Neil MacGregor, the director of the British Museum in London, continues his global history as told through objects from the Museum's collection.

This week he sheds light on some of the great status symbols of taste and power, as owned by the wealthy and well-informed around 700 years ago. His journey takes him from China to Nigeria and from Spain to the Caribbean, but he begins in Scotland with the story of probably the world's best known board game, in the company of the Lewis Chessmen.

Producers: Paul Kobrak and Anthony Denselow.

Available now

1 hour

Broadcasts

  • Fri 27 Aug 2010 21:00
  • Sun 19 Feb 2012 17:00