A History of the World in 100 ObjectsThe First Global Economy (1450 - 1600 AD)Episodes Episode guide

Back up to: A History of the World in 100 Objects

1. Pieces of eight

   5/5Neil MacGregor with the first truly global money - silver pieces of eight.
2. Kakiemon elephants

   4/5Neil MacGregor with porcelain white elephants from Japan.
3. Double-headed serpent

   3/5Neil MacGregor with one of the stars of the British Museum - an Aztec serpent
4. Benin plaque - the Oba with Europeans

   2/5Neil MacGregor with some of the best examples of African art, the great plaques of Benin.
5. The mechanical galleon

   1/5Neil Macgregor with a clockwork galleon designed for a grand dinner table.