A history of the world in 100 objects

Making us human, 2,000,000-9000 BC

After the Ice Age: food and sex, 9000-3500 BC

The first cities and states, 4000-2000 BC

The beginnings of science and literature, 2000-700 BC

Old world, new powers, 1100-300 BC

The world in the age of Confucius, 500-300 BC

Empire builders, 300 BC-AD 10

Ancient pleasures, modern spice, AD 1-500

The rise of world faiths, AD 100-600

The Silk Road and beyond, AD 400-800

Inside the palace: secrets at court, AD 700-900

Pilgrims, raiders and traders, AD 800-1300

Status symbols, AD 1100-1500

Meeting the gods, AD 1200-1500

The threshold of the modern world, AD 1375-1550

The first global economy, AD 1450-1650

Tolerance and intolerance, AD 1550-1700

Exploration, exploitation and enlightenment, AD 1680-1820

Mass production, mass persuasion, AD 1780-1914

The world of our making, AD 1914-2010.