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Dependence or Dominion?

Neil MacGregor focuses on the natural world and seasonal change: the Yupik people of Alaska depend on the seal, and ancient Egyptians looked to Osiris to give fertility to the land

Neil MacGregor continues his series on the expression of shared beliefs in communities around the world and across time. He focuses on the natural world and seasonal change: the Yupik people of Alaska depend on the seal, and ancient Egyptians looked to the god Osiris to bring fertility to their arid land. Both societies, in radically different climates, devised practices that acknowledged the fact of their dependence on the natural world - and engaged everybody with the responsibility of co-operating with it.

Producer: Paul Kobrak

The series is produced in partnership with the British Museum
Photograph: (c) The Trustees of the British Museum.

Available now

14 minutes

Last on

Sun 8 May 202211:45
BBC Radio 4

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Here Comes the Sun

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Living with the Dead

See all episodes from Living with the Gods

Broadcasts

  • Fri 27 Oct 201709:45
    BBC Radio 4 FM
  • Fri 27 Oct 201719:45
    BBC Radio 4
  • Fri 6 May 202214:45
    BBC Radio 4
  • Sun 8 May 202211:45
    BBC Radio 4

Animations

Animations

Neil MacGregor tells the stories of some of the key objects in the series.

Podcast

  • Living with the Gods

    Neil MacGregor explores the role and expression of shared beliefs around the world.